Viva Oscar Castro-Neves!

Oscar was a friend, father and teacher to me; a human being I could share my doubts, fears and joys. He always reminded me how powerful and loving I am. I’m a better human being because I had the opportunity to experience his Light.

I met him at Le Café, a jazz spot in Studio City where I used to play during the 1990’s with The Rio Thing, a band that Mario Costa and I created when we arrive from Rio de Janeiro.  The first time I consciously remember Oscar’s name was in 1979 when a friend gave me Fatima Guedes’ first LP (1979.) I love that album! At that time, I was writing poetry and feeding my dreams of being a singer. Here’s one song of Fatima’s album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66b_X3t_dMw

When I was recording at Polygram with O Espírito da Coisa,” I met the artistic director of the label, Menescal, Oscar’s long time friend from the Bossa Nova movement.
Eventually, I met Fátima through her childhood friend and got to see one of her first shows at Teatro Ipanema. That night, singer Nana Caymmi was in the audience (among other greatest singers.) Nana’s first album (1963) was also produced by Oscar Castro-Neves. Here’s a sample of that album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XqnvlWa_QE

More music by Oscar:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g3-7M51Tns (@ Ramsey Lewis on PBS)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUE9GaBgiBQ  (@ Sydney Festival, Australia)

SHOW
Saturday, October 19 at 7pm @ Casa Arjona (Long Beach)
Featuring guitarist Mitchell Long and percussionist Gibi
4515 E. Harvey Way, Long Beach, CA 90808
Info: (562) 805-7770
https://www.facebook.com/events/165004137038662/

Photo by Erin Dorothy


Friday, October 18 and 25 @Mgrill (Los Angeles)
(213) 389-2770

Friends celebrating Oscar Castro-Neves Life @ Yutaka's home in Los Angeles:

From left: Dori and Helena Caymmi, yours truly, Regina and Zelão Marino, Carol Welsman, Yutaka, Abraham Laboriel, Rique Pantoja, Geoff Gilette, Warren and Kim Giancaterino, Kate Markowitz, Dave Grusin and Charlie Bisharat.




Introducing Brazilian Culture to Burbank High School with Viver Brasil Dance Company:

Part of the band the backs Viver Brasil Dance Company: Simon Carroll, Fabio Santanna and Bobby Easton. Missing Khalil and Badaró.




TO YOU

Malala by Veronique De Viguerie.
The youngest person to be nominated to a Nobel Peace Prize.
Here's Malala with Jon Stewart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f506lCk6Tos

Photo by Erin Dorothy for her project documenting world musicians.
Peace and Joy,

Kátia : )