25/05 Clube do Choro

01 May, 2013

30/03 FROM 6.30pm @ St Mary’s Church, Wyndham Place, York Street, W1H 1PQ)
+info: http://www.clubedochoro.co.uk/site/en/

DESCRIPTION BY AMIE WALKER

Established in March 2012 and founded by musician Gaio de Lima, Club Do Choro is an international team with a mission to spread Brazilian Choro across the UK.
Choro which means ‘to weep’, originated in 19th century Rio De Janeiro and is the traditional music of Brazil. Its name belies the frequent cheerful sound of the melody.
It was initially a way of perfroming European Dance music, such as waltzes and Polkas, fused with the syncopation and flair of Afro – Brazilian music.

In the last event, in April they were celebrating Pixinguinha’s Birthday,

Pixinguinha is considered one of the greatest Brazilian composers of popular music, particularly within choro. By integrating the music of the older choro composers of the 19th century with contemporary jazz-like harmonies, Afro-Brazilian rhythms, and sophisticated arrangements, he introduced choro to a new audience and helped to popularize it as a uniquely Brazilian genre.

The event took the form of a Roda De Choro where musicians sit in a circle so that they can see each other and maintain eye contact. This enables them to facilitate changes in tempo and mood and to help with improvisation. Throughout the evening people joined the Roda with their own instruments and people wishing to play were encouraged to join in.

Clube do Choro UK founder Gaio de Lima said: “This is not a concert where the audience only listens to the music, Choro is all about inclusion, so it is a music event where the public can take part at any time if they wish to. We are hoping to educate people about this traditional style of Brazilian music and hopefully show people that Brazil has more to offer than just Carnival’

The atmosphere was really relaxed and the music was superb. There was food and drink and dancing. The arts Council recently funded this project and I think it has given Londoners a unique insight into an area of music that we are not exposed to over here.

For further information please contact or visit www.clubedochoro.co.uk

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