I WAS THERE . . . Red Hot + Rio 2 @ BAM 12.05.08

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Bebel Gilberto and Otto steal the show. Photo credit Jack Vartoogian

It was a night of beautiful music, people, and dancing from start to finish at BAM’s Red Hot + Rio 2 where 16 of the best Brazilian artists in the world touched the stage, both contemporary and classic. From bossa nova to samba soul, Jobim to Tropicalia, it was a celebration of Brazilian culture that had the entire BAM Howard Gilman Opera house dancing and going crazy.

The stage was absolutely filled to capacity with Brazilian musicians. Curumin, CéU, Bebel Gilberto, José González, and Otto, rotated singing in front of the superstar backing band of João Parahyba, Moreno, Domenico, Kassin, Stephane San Juan, Alberto Continentino, Money Mark, Janja Gomes, Ze Luis, Jorge Continentino, and Carlos Darci. Featuring trumpet, trombone, tenor sax, baritone sax, two guitars, bass, 3 percussionists, and 3 singers, the total sound throughout the night achieved beautiful and rich melodies and harmonies, that resonated throughout BAM’s beautiful opera house and were accentuated by visual projections.

It started with Jose Gonzalez serenading the audience with his velvety voice. Then Curumin came on the mic and picked things up a notch. CéU followed and enchanted the crowd with her beautiful voice. Bebel Gilberto came on next and the crowd got progressively warmer. Then Otto came out and got everybody jumping. Things calmed down for a bit, but then the Harlem Samba drum line walked down the center aisle and onstage making the entire audience get on their feet to end the show.

Marc Amigone

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