Taste of Brazil
By
An early hit by João Gilberto called "O Pato" (The
Duck) and Antônio Carlos Jobim’s "Caminhos Cruzados" are
some of the treasures revealed in Concord’s Amazonas, the latest
album by Gaúcho (from Rio Grande do Sul) Manfredo Fest. Based in
Florida, after having lived in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Fest
never abandoned his initial bossa nova flavor, adding more and more jazz
touches in the 30 years he has been producing great music. Says the musician,
"I try to balance between Brazilian compositions, particularly compositions
by Jobim, and American standards with a Brazilian flavor, but I try to
keep the integrity of the tunes as much as possible."
Brazil on their Minds
The Atravessados (Out of Sync) as many other smaller Brazilian
bands in the US started playing in friendly private parties and poolside
barbecues three years ago. Now, the Houston-based group (from their eight
musicians, six are Brazilian and two American) seems ready for prime time
and they are releasing their first CD. Entitled Brasil Forever,
the disc is a potpourri of humor and romance with samba, choro and
jazzy rhythms. The CD includes 12 songs, all original, among them
"É Brasileiro", a humorous take on Brazucas (Brazilians
living in the US), and "Amor Eterno", celebrating eternal love.
In "Pedido aos Orixás" and "De Frente para o Mar",
Atravessados appeal to the African Gods and explode in percussion and joy.
Ecological Trek
The same Zé do Pedal, who traveled by bicycle from Brazil to
Spain for the Soccer World Cup in that country and then repeated the feat
in Mexico and the U.S., is now getting ready to pedal his way all the way
down the Amazon river. He wants to raise the public’s awareness about the
region, and help to protect the Amazon forest and its native population.
He will start his two-and-a-half-month trip in Peru and end it in Belém
do Pará, in Brazil. An Ecuadorian friend, who is an Indian, will
tag along to help out. Some of his equipment is already in place, but he
still needs some essentials and he is struggling to get sponsorships and
donations from private individuals. A site in the Internet will give daily
details about the trip. Zé do Pedal’s E-mail is hplaza@uio.satnet.net
and he has a homepage at: http://bymedia.com/sosamazonia/
There, you will find all you need to know about him and his adventures.
Taste of Brazil
Since the beginning of March, without leaving home, Brazilians living
in South Florida, are able to talk about their concerns, ask questions
and listen to Brazilian music and personalities. All they have to do is
to tune in on RádioBrasil, a radio program intended to unite Brazilians
via a fun, matter-of-fact, chat-radio format. The live program hosted by
Chico Moura will be on the air from 7 PM to 8 PM every Saturday at Union
Radio, 1450 AM. To join the fun just dial (305) 759-1450. More info? Call
(305) 868-3214. Or you can send E-mail to chicomra@bellsouth.net