Sao Paulo-based 7-string guitarist and composer Gian Correa and Graffiti artist Apolo Torres join forces in social activism to create a project with recorded and visual components which update Choro music with a new timely and contemporary voice.
Choro, literally to “cry” in Portuguese, is a traditional Brazilian style born in the late 19th century in the urban landscape of Rio de Janeiro. It combines traditional western forms and harmony with African rhythms, in a similar fashion to the North American Ragtime, or the Argentinian Tango. In his latest recording "O Abismo da Prata", Correa updates it with a contemporary cry for social justice, bringing forth social issues plaguing Brazil today, and the world at large.
Each track on the album inspired the creation of a graffiti work on the streets of Sao Paulo painted by Apolo Torres, a leading exponent of the Brazilian contemporary muralism movement. Each work illuminates a different aspect of struggle, from generational discrimination and consumerism to freedom from tyranny and poverty. To realize his vision, Correa gathered a group of young, like-minded Sao Paulo-based musicians, who bring a contemporary edge to the old tradition of Choro, and superstar pianist Shai Maestro as a special guest on Fender Rhodes.
Gian Correa
Gian Correa | 7 string guitar
Cainã Cavalcante | 6 string guitar
Enrique Menezes | flutes
Henrique Araújo | Cavaquinho, Bandolim, Violão Tenor and Tamborim
Rafael Toledo | Panderia, Pandeiro, Adufe, Caixa, Caixeta, Reco-Reco, Pratos
Guests:
Renato Braz recorded by Mário Gil at Studio Dancape (track 8)
Juliana Amaral recorded by Gian Correa at Usina Telecoteco Studio (track 8)
Shai Maestro recorded by himself (track 4)
Recorded by Thiago Big Rabello at Da Pá Virada Studio, 25th and 26th of November, 2020
Assisted by Frederico Pacheco
Mixed by Gian Correa at Usina Telecoteco Studio
Mastered by Rodrigo Castro Lopes
Artwork by Apolo Torres
Design by Maria Birba
Band Photo by Thamires Mulatinho
Produced by Gian Correa
Executive production by Giovani Correa
