Gafieira big band at California Brazil Camp in August

You might have read an earlier post from me announcing the Gafieira Big Band I am leading this year at California Brazil Camp's second session, from August 28 to September 3 in Cazadero, California, in the heart of the redwood forest. Well, I am working on the arrangements right now, and would like to invite all interested musicians to sign up and participate.

In case you are wondering what this is, "gafieira" refers to a Brazilian ballroom samba dance style. The material is being compiled from the great Brazilian classic samba tunes, including compositions by Ary Barroso, Guinga, Toninho Horta and many more. The instrumentation is a traditional big band line-up: 2 alto saxes, 2 tenors, 1 baritone, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones plus rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussion). In addition, all other instruments (flute, clarinet, violin,etc.) are welcome, as well as vocalists. Requirements are: a basic sight reading ability and some familiarity with Brazilian grooves. The parts should not be very challenging technically, but there will be lots of syncopation...
We will rehearse all week and finish up with a concert/dance where we will play the material.

I will be posting all charts up on the Internet as PDF files, as well as MP3 files of demos of the arrangements by the beginning of August, so those who would like can print them out and start practicing.

California Brazil Camp is a great experience to all those who are interested in Brazilian music and dance. It's a weeklong immersion in the musical culture of Brazil with a stellar faculty who are experts in their areas.

For registration and all kinds of information, please visit CBC's website at www.calbrazilcamp.com , call415-824-2894 or email cbc@mameluco.com

I hope you can enjoy this opportunity to play great music in a beautiful natural setting. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who might be interested.


I hope to see you at Camp!

Jazz Camp West 2006

I just returned from a beautiful week teaching at Jazz Camp West, a gathering of about 320 musicians held each summer in La Honda, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. This year was a special one, with lots of music and great musicians. I wrote a few new tunes during one of my classes, which focuses on spontaneous composition. The other classs I taught featured the music of my musical mentor Hermeto Pascoal, who just turned 70 years young last week.
The image above represents the peace and beauty of the place. We had coyotes howling in the morning and a strong musical bond among all participants.

Batuki di Bangu

This video of the JSN Quinteto was shot in New York City in 2005 when we performed at the Chamber Music America Conference. We are playing "Batuki di Bangu" from the "Canto do Rio" CD. I uplodaded it to YouTube.com...enjoy!

Hermeto Pascoal e Grupo - Peixinho

This is a rare film with Hermeto and Grupo playing the tune "Peixinho" circa 1985. The band is: Hermeto on electric grand piano, myself on flute, Carlos Malta on alto saxophone, Itiberê Zwarg on bass, marcio Bahia on drums and Pernambuco on percussion. Hermeto's piano solo is a classic!

Hermeto Pascoal - Susto

I found this video of the Hermeto Pascoal Group performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1979. WE are playing the frevo "Susto", from the "Zabumbê-Bum-á" record. The images are fuzzy, but the music is happening! The band is: Hermeto on soprano sax,Nivaldo Ornellas and Cacau on tenor saxes, myself on Rhodes, Itiberê Zwarg on bass, Pernambuco and Zabelê on percussion and the great Nenê on drums...check it out!