Houston, TX. (Top40 Charts/ Marolo Records) - Brazilian musician Djavan (Dee-jah-van) shares his three-decade musical journey as he performs selections from his most current release and 18th record, Matizes (Shades of Color), in commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of his career. Djavan, recognized by jazz musicians worldwide as one of Brazil's leading singer/songwriters, has traversed Brazilian borders and reached the world market with his blend of pop and jazz. His radically personal and intimate style is reflected in his band which includes two of Djavan's sons (guitarist Max and drummer Joao Viana,) both playing with their father for a decade now. The concert starts at 8:00 p.m. and instrumentation features: bass, piano, saxophone tenor and flute, trumpet, trombone, acoustic and electric guitars.
The universal,, romantic bard Djavan names the folk music of his village in northeastern Brazil among his influences, along with funk, jazz and bossa nova. His complex harmonies, original melodies, strange sonorities (from a romantic ballad to hard twists and turns of a Moorish song, a variety of jazzy horns with a classic rock guitar and full of rhythmic variations) with mysterious and enchanting results. The sophisticated lyrics of personal reflection, composed of poetic images typical of Djavan, are full of chromatic metaphors and inspired by nature. Djavan has been heralded as an ambitious author since the start of his touring career in 1975.
BACKGROUND ON DJAVAN:
Marked with innovation and romanticism, written and sung with honesty and humility, Djavan's music focuses on life and love. Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Nana Caymmi, Beth Carvalho and other top Brazilian artists have covered his songs along with Al Jarreau, Carmen McRae, the Manhattan Transfer. Djavan's lyrics are simple yet poetic, and his voice is tremendously earthy and subtle. His work brings together African rhythms, bossa nova, jazz, funk, pop, samba, R&B and northeastern sounds. The New York Times claims he is 'an artist who has fused many of the dominant styles onto a personal music [that is] brilliant and comprehensive.'
Born in Maceio, in Brazil's northeastern state of Alagoas, Djavan grew up hearing folk music and listening to his mother sing. He discovered the guitar when he was 16 and began to dedicate himself to it. Soon he gave up school and his factory job to form a band at the age of 18 called Luz, Som e Dimensao [Light, Sound and Dimension], better known as LSD. The band played popular successes, in particular Beatles covers at clubs and other similar venues.
Djavan later moved to Rio de Janeiro with his guitar in hand. He started out recording songs of other artists for television soap operas and singing at popular nightclubs. Through these experiences he began getting exposure and received his first big break. In 1975, his composition, 'Fato consumado' (Consummated Fact) won second prize at a music festival, and placed him on the trajectory of success.
ABOUT HIS NEW RELEASE 'MATIZES' :
Thirty two years later, Djavan releases his 18th album with 12 newly composed tracks ranging from samba heard on 'Delirio dos Mortais' to a bolero of 'Louca Fina', going on to blues in 'Desandou'. A ballad 'Por uma Vida em Paz' that also has a jazzy interpretation where he talks about universal questions: 'I don't know exactly what to say/About the evil on earth:/I think the love hesitated.', plus traditional beloved classics. 'Matizes' blends the tones of a work of deep maturity. The trio of songs 'Fera' (Beast), 'Pedra' (Rock) and 'Adorava me ver como seu' (I Loved to See Me as Yours) reveal the musical synthesis found by Djavan, his personal universe, and how he has developed a musical and personal speech as exemplified in the lyrics of 'Pedra' (Rock): 'Love, I loose myself in tears/I didn't see you anymore, since April, I went to the sea/And you laying there on the rock/How I envy that rock.' Modern sambas of different shades live in 'Matizes' complimented by a danceable bolero mixed with Cuban Son 'Louca fina' (Fine dishware), and a typical blues 'Djavan's Blues' (as once defined by Caetano Veloso), entitled 'Desandou.'
The recording, under his own label Luanda Records, was done in his studio when, in Djavan's own words, he had the finest interaction with the band in his career. Djavan brings this same band to his U.S. performances: Renato Fonseca (keyboards), Joao Viana (Djavan's son on drums), Max Viana (Djavan's son on acoustic and electric guitars, vocals), Sergio Carvalho (bass), plus Marcelo Martins (sax, flute, vocals), Walmir Gil (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals) and Francois de Lima (trombone, vocals).
'with a soothing but vulnerable voice, he is willing to split the difference between Brazilian pop and the American pop-funk that has lifted some of its best effects from such Brazilian masters as Milton Nascimento, Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, all Djavan's elders.' - JON PARELES, N.Y. Times
Djavan's 2008 Houston Concert is produced by Marolo Records (Antonio Dionisio) with Next Brazilian Productions, headed by Lydia Pinto.
Tickets for Djavan concert, priced at $60, $50 and $40 for reserved admission.
For further information, call Lydia Pinto/Next Brazilian Productions at 713-952-4071 or Antonio Dionisio/Marolo Records at 512-917-9652
