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."
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.
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.
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
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