Al Green, “Lay It Down” (Blue Note)  

By Amy Linden/The Associated Press

If Al Green’s “Lay It Down” sounds familiar, it should. Much like his 2003’s comeback CD I Cant Stop, this is an homage to and re-creation of Green’s ‘70s glory days. That’s when the quintessential love man, with producer Willie Mitchell, delivered classics like “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Call Me” that inspired millions: That apparently included James Poyser and The Roots Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, who, (with Green) produced this joyful if somewhat uneven CD.
The intentions are good. Green’s vocals are still sanctified and sexy - witness the slinky “I’m Wild.” Likewise the mournful title track, “No One Like You” shout out to Green’s 1972 gem “Love And Happiness,” and the proliferation of Hammond B3 organs makes this an old school dream; which is part of the problem.
While no one is expecting Lil Wayne on the hook, the participation of stylists like Thompson and Poyser - along with fellow acolytes John Legend and Anthony Hamilton (who almost steals the jazzy “You’ve Got The Love”) - implied that Green’s trademark sound might be guided into a new direction. Not doing so doesn’t make “Lay It Down” any less soulful- it just makes it a bit too safe.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: Buoyed by guitars with a juke joint twang and a finger-popping chorus, Green preaches about the transcendent power of love on “Standing in the Rain.”

Al Green returns this week with his latest album, “Lay It Down,” off Blue Note Records.

The R&B legend collaborated with several of today’s young hip-hop producers and R&B artists including drummer Amir “?uestlove” Thompson of The Roots, John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Check out this feature from Nate Chin of The New York Times as he sits down will Green and the various contributors to his album due out Tuesday, May 27.

To purchase the album from Amazon.com.

By Jordan Levin/McClatchy Newspapers

Sergio Mendes found fame as part of an era, symbolized in the name of his first band, Brasil 66, inventing a smooth, jazzy bossa nova pop sound that’s the very essence of the cooled-out ‘60s. Later versions of the group in subsequent decades - Brasil 77, Brasil 88 - didn’t have nearly the same impact.

But 40 years after he first became a star, Mendes has found new success by leaving dates behind. “Timeless,” released in 2006 and produced by Black Eyed Peas leader will.i.am, was chockfull of young urban stars like Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Erykah Badu and India.arie guesting on updates of Mendes classics like “Mas que nada.” It was a surprise hit that brought the 67-year-old musical legend back to life for a new generation of fans.

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