The acclaimed Brazilian, Heitor Villa-Lobos may not be a household name in the United States, but he is revered across the globe and is regarded as Brazil’s greatest composer. This new record is a tribute to the legendary musician who died in 1959.
Villa-Lobos was known as a classical composer, but like New Orleans’ classical icon Louis Moreau Gottschalk, he drew deeply from the folkloric traditions of Brazil.
When not composing his own pieces or arranging and performing with international jazz greats (including Wynton Marsalis), Mario Adnet (pictured above) has had a lifelong, profound engagement with key Brazilian composers, so he is the perfect musician to create this moving tribute to one of the greats.
On the record, lush orchestral arrangements meet warm voices including contemporary Brazilian stars like Edu Lobo and Milton Nascimento. Of course, no tribute to Villa-Lobos would be complete without striking guitar work, contributed by Yamandu Costa.
This record will open your ears to a sound that grows more familiar upon each listen because of the deep connections between New Orleans and Brazil. Check it out!
Photo: Milton Montenegro
