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  I know a thing or two about Brazilian music (same as the next guy, right?), but
until recently could claim no familiarity with the guitarist/composer known as
Guinga. To remedy this situation, I accepted a gracious invitation to attend an
evening of music involving Guinga performing both with his own quartet and the
Los Angeles
Philharmonic.
There was some early trepidation on my part. I don't hang with the classical
crowd often, and was unsure if Guinga fit into the familiar categories (samba,
bossa nova, MPB, forro, axe, etc.) that I would consider to be "my" Brazilian
music. And more importantly, would my wife Teresa (whose birthday it was) like
it?
Turns out I needn't have worried. In the first half, three other gents
accompanied Guinga to form a combo comprised of two guitars, clarinet and
trumpet. All four players displayed not only dazzling technical proficiency on
their instruments but multilayered depths of
pure emotion as well. The tunes ranged from Brazilian-tinged jazz to stark
melancholy to a bopping jauntiness suggestive of New Orleans.
Though there was no percussion, the group was able to supply a propulsive
edge when needed, going from delicate to aggressive in the blink of an eye and
likewise segueing seamlessly in and out of solo passages which were not only
heartily applauded but often punctuated by audible gasps of astonishment from
the audience.
For the second half, which Guinga
promised would be "even better," the foursome was joined by the L.A.
Philharmonic with guest conductor Vince Mendoza plus pianist/singer
Ivan
Lins. The music had the same eclecticism, now enriched
by a sweeping symphonic panorama equal parts classical, jazz and just plain out
of this world.
Lins sang three songs (two in Portuguese, one English) and some very expert
soloing was once again appreciated. Finally Guinga himself, who claimed in
broken English that he's "not a singer," offered up a stunningly beautiful
ballad in praise of his daughter. I didn't understand the Portuguese lyrics, but
I did discern the word "princess" among them. It brought a lump of joy to my
throat.
This concert marked my first-ever experience of not only
Guinga,
but also the Los Angeles Philharmonic and downtown's Walt Disney Concert Hall. I
couldn't have asked for a better introduction to any of them. If I didn't
previously consider this sort of thing "my" Brazilian music, I certainly did
now. And yes, my wife found it highly enjoyable as well.
(Special thanks to Angel Romero and Leah Price.)
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