Vincente Amigo, Morente

“Vicente Amigo has been called by some fans “the natural continuation of Paco de Lucia,” and indeed it was a television performance by the legendary flamenco master which inspired Amigo, all of three years old, to visualize his future playing that instrument in that style. Still, he says, “I believe that flamenco has always been something for adults, not just for children. To understand flamenco, you need maturity. You can play the guitar as a child. You understand the technique. But the essence of flamenco is something that requires maturity.”

http://www.vicenteamigo.com/

Blossom

Singer Amanda Brecker, daughter of Eliane Elias and Randy Brecker, pays homage to Carole King and James Taylor, and commemorates the 40th Anniversary of ‘Tapestry,’ with her new CD ‘Blossom,’ produced by Jesse Harris (Norah Jones), Out February 26th on Decca.

Toninho Ferragutti

The great Brazilian accordion player, Toninho Ferragutti.

Tomatito

Beautiful film from “The Art Of Making” condensing 300 hours of work into 3 minutes.

Fabio Cadore “Instante”

Instante

One of the best singers/songwriters in his generation of Paulistas. Fabio brings an abundance of talent to this recording. With a voice as rich as a vintage merlot, unmatched pop sensibilities, and superb arranging chops, this is one talent to keep close. “Instante,” his newest release and his previous release, “Lúdico Navegante,” are on my constant rotation.

At only 28 years old, Fabio is already one of the most prolific songwriters and performers in São Paulo. “Instante,” his second release, firmly increases his footprint in the Brazilian musical landscape and now expands internationally as he tours the world.

Instante

Fabio Cadore: vocals, choirs, guitar, cavaquinho, samples; Marcelo Mariano: bass; Hernan Jacinto: piano & keyboards; Rodrigo “Digão” Braz: drums & percussion

Special Guests:

• Luciana Alves voice on “Choro Derradeiro”
• 5 a seco voices on “Instante”
• Guilherme Ribeiro accordion on “Ojos de sal”

Rogério Botto Maio Trio

About the Silence

Acoustic and electric bassist Rogêrio Botter Maio‘s latest trio outing explores the gamut, from traditional Brazilian rhythms to Argentinian flavored, layered vocals. With sublime melodic sensibilities and a keen sense of harmonic movement, Rogério and his cohorts, Vinícius Gomes (nylon and steel string guitar, craviola) and Fábio Leandro (piano, melodica), along with legends, Dom Salvador, Roberto Menescal and the great Carlos Aguirre, deliver a multi-course South American musical feast. Rogério wrote nine of the 10 tracks on this recording and arranged the Roberto Menescal tune, “A Morte de um Deus do Sal.”

This, Rogério’s fifth release, shows the depth of his musicality and experience. For decades he played with many of the top musicians in the world: Paquito D’Rivera, Leny Andrade, Hermeto Pascoal, Lionel Hampton,  Jovino Santos Neto, Nana Vasconcelos,  Duduka da Fonseca,  Ná Ozzetti, and many others. CDs can be purchased in the U.S. directly from his website at: bottermaio.com

The Orquesta de Cámara Concierto Sur at the Tempe Center for the Arts

In a rare cultural exchange between the U.S. and Cuba, the Orquesta de Cámara Concierto Sur chamber octet from  Cienfuegos, Cuba, will be performing Monday, 7:30 PM, October 15, 2012 at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear this “Latin Revolution” in chamber music.

Conrado Paulino

Conrado Paulino

When he’s not busy backing up Rosa Passos or any number of prominent Brazilian singers, Conrado can be found playing solo or with his quartet. His days might also be filled teaching and publishing instructional works covering topics such as harmonic construction or Brazilian rhythms. His roster of students is impressive as well, teaching many of the top Brazilian guitarists.

His latest CD, “Wrong Way,” released in January of this year, is a master study in solo guitar. Dense harmonies and complex rhythms only add to the fun nature of this recording. If you’re a fan of Joe Pass or Charlie Byrd, do yourself a favor and check out this master guitarist.

 After a career in consumer goods spanning over 20 years, it was the loss of loved ones that determined a new path for Buenos Aires based photographer, Anita Kalikies. It wasn’t until late 2009 that she bought her first DSLR thinking it would merely be a distraction, or perhaps a hobby. But, her immediate connection to the medium was apparent in her first “accidental” published work.

While attending a live concert of the great Cuban artist, Yusa, she was able to capture the details and essence of the performer. Later, some of these images were utilized for Yusa’s subsequent release and promotional materials. Since that time, Anita has worked between her home city of Buenos Aires, Argentina and São Paulo, Brasil, capturing many of the region’s finest artists.

Anita Kalikies

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Monica Salmaso

Mônica Salmaso

This incredible vocalist began her recording career in 1995 and her work continues to define the finest of São Paulo’s new music scene. Her extensive catalog is available through the usual sources in the U.S. and abroad. Visit her website here, available in Portuguese and English.