Encanto * by Sergio Mendes

When it came to popularizing Brazilian pop in America (and the world) during the 1960s, Sergio Mendes was in the forefront. While the torch has been passed on to younger performers, Mendes remains freshly contemporary as a listen to ENCANTO will attest. Mendes still knows how to deftly combine the sounds of his roots with contemporary pop and dance music--ENCANTO features sleek, enchanting Brazilian-American pop with assistance from singer Fergie (a version of "The Look Of Love" in homage to Brasil 66), ex-Weather Report bassist Alphonso Johnson, and trumpeter Herb Alpert. There's just a touch of urban/hip-hop flavor here, enough to give the proceedings that modern edge. Minimize