Mendes, who scored his first international hit records over 40 years ago with his group Brasil 66, describes the new release as being "all about the good times, good weather, good tempos. The album is about the diversity, joy and sensuality of Brazilian music-songs I previously recorded and some that I never have-played by Brazilian and American musicians." 　　Mendes serves as producer, composer, arranger, pianist and bandleader on the new album, which showcases songs from Brazilian songwriters (including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Joao Donato, Carlinhos Brown, Jorge Benjor, Milton Nascimento and Moacir Santos) and one from Stevie Wonder, written especially for Mendes in 1977, 'The Real Thing.' Among the musicians present on the album are drummers Mike Shapiro and Vinnie Colaiuta, bassists Nathan Watts and Alphonso Johnson, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Kleber Jorge, percussionist Gibi, vocalist Gracinha Leporace-the bandleader's wife-and songwriter-arranger-vocalist Carlinhos Brown. 　　Nascimento contributes his own 'Caxanga.' Other standout musicians include singer Seu Jorge, who is featured on two songs, 'Maracatu Atomico' and 'Maracatu Nation of Love;' singers Katie Hampton and Nayanna Holley and the horn section of Andrew Lippman and Bill Churchville.