NEW FROM BRAZIL…
Spring is finally here, and with it comes the agenda for the
season’s releases and shows, which become more abundant as the
mercury rises. With several new Brazilian-related releases, this
promises to be a very good season for the lovers of art, music
and literature.
Marco Figueira is a fixture at locales like
Brazil Grill and other local Manhattan venues, and he emerges
with his new disc, Brazilliance (Blue Toucan Music, in stores),
in which he showcases material that is included in his
repertoire, such as Corcovado (Quiet Night of Quiet Stars),
Roberto Menescal’s "O Barquinho" (The Little Boat) and some
original material. Guesting on the disc are other expat
musicians, such as Helio Alves (piano), Paulo Braga (percussion)
and German-born Hendrik Muerkens (harmonica). The string
arrangements were written by Eumir Deodato. For more on Figueira,
visit his webpage at
http://www.marcofigueira.com
On her third CD, Momento (Six Degrees, April
24) Bebel Gilberto expertly combines the bossa-nova influences
of her first disc with the more electronic sounds of her
self-titled disc released two years ago. One of the key tracks
is a new arrangement to Cole Porter’s "Night and Day" , which
receives a Jobim-like treatment; she also takes on uncle Chico
Buarque’s " Caçada" , which receives here a forró arrangement.
There are many original tracks, such as the single " Bring Back
The Love" , which has already gotten plenty of airplay via
remixes by several well-known djs. Gilberto is on tour this
Spring, with an extensive US tour that will include New York,
Los Angeles, Washington and Miami. For more information, visit
http://www.sixdegreesrecords.com
Gilberto is also featured on 20 Ways To Float
Through Walls, a new release from Crammed Discs (April 24),
which showcases their acts. On this disc, we hear a remix of "Céu
Distante" by DJ Spinna. Other Brazilians featured on the disc
are Zuco 103, Apollo Nove, Cibelle (with her breathtaking remake
of Caetano Veloso’s " London London" , Celso Fonseca and DJ
Dolores, who shines with " De Dar Dó." The disc will be
available at major retailers.
Although not from Brazil, Lisbon-based singer
Dulce Pontes has helped to revolutionize the face of Portuguese
music by including electronic elements into fado. She performs
at Carnegie Hall on May 10th. For more information, visit
http://www.worldmusicinstitute.org
New York-based Vocalist Elin has been
constantly performing in support of her jazzy debut, Lazy
Afternoon (Blue Toucan, in stores). Her style reminds you of the
softness of Polish-born Anna Maria Jopek, performing classics
like "Aquarela do Brasil" and "Doralice" among original tracks.
A former sidewoman with Artie Shaw and Julio Iglesias, she has
been headlining in venues like Night and Day and The Bitter End.
In April she is scheduled to appear at The Ace of Clubs, and has
more dates on the way. For more information, visit
http://www.elinmusic.com
What would it be if John Coltrane had met
Baden Powell? This question is raised by Porto Alegre-born
pianist Glauco Sagebin and percussionist Paulo Braga on their
new release, When Baden Meets Trane (Blue Toucan, in stores),
(Blue Toucan), which borrows from the styles of both legends in
re-readings of "Fascinating Rhythm" and Jobim’s " Luiza" , plus
originals like the title track. Sagebin comes from the great
tradition of Bill Evans, playing with the classic trio format
perfected by the late master. Check more about this new talent
on
http://www.bluetoucanmusic.com/glauco.html
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