Sunday, April 22, 2018

Dona Ivone Lara's last recording


Dona Ivone Lara recorded her last two recordings in collaboration with the American singer Alexandra Jackson, on the album “Alexandra Jackson: Legacy & Alchemy” which pays homage to the great Brazilian music’s legacy and perpetuates Dona Ivone Lara’s biggest compositions in the songs “Sonho Meu” and “Força da Imaginação”.

The singers (Dona Ivone and Alexandra) are accompanied by the most prominent names of the Brazilian and American music such as Pretinho da Serrinha, Arthur Maia, Ricardo Silveira, Max Viana, Marcelo Camargo Mariano, Chris Walker, Darryl Tookes, and Curtis King. The songs were mixed in Los Angeles by GRAMMY Award winning engineer Ed Cherney. An EP was released in 2017; the full length drops May 25, 2018.

Robert Hebert, President of Legacy and Alchemy issues this statement: “We are saddened by the loss of Dona Ivone Lara. She was a light onto the world and, a great treasure of Brazilian music. We have been motivated for 3 years to tell her great story to the world. We have felt a great responsibility to do that. We will not let her down.”

Alexandra Jackson issues this statement: “I am incredibly saddened to hear of the loss of our Queen of Samba, Dona Ivone Lara. She was a legend, an inspiration, a pioneer, and a fighter. Even fighting to reach her 97th birthday, just a few days ago. I am humbled and honored that she gave her voice to Legacy & Alchemy, singing with me; and I will forever remember her dearly. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to her loved ones, and everyone who was touched by her spirit, just as I was.”

Dona Ivone Lara

The vocals of Dona Ivone Lara were recorded in Rio de Janeiro in December 2015. “Sonho Meu” is a classic Dona Ivone Lara song that Max Viana suggested. Max Viana and Robert Hebert produced the song in Rio de Janeiro. Backing Vocals by Alexandra Jackson, Chris Walker, Darryl Tookes and Curtis King were recorded in New Jersey in January 2016. Alexandra’s Lead Vocals were recorded in Rio de Janeiro in February 2016. 

“Força da Imaginação” is a Dona Ivone Lara-Caetano Veloso song that Robert Hebert and Max Viana also produced and arranged for the álbum. Dona Ivone’s appearance of course signal the “LEGACY” of this music. Also, it is noteworthy that the appearance of Pretinho da Serrinha (considered part of the next generation of Samba) presents the “ALCHEMY” of our musical vision.