From the composer:
The title of this album -- Vida – comes from my realization that all these compositions have been inspired by stories, events, and facts about my life. The selection of these charts reflects my deep sense of gratitude for the gift of existing and for the privilege of making art; for life’s joys and sorrows, its ups and downs, its moments of collaboration and of solitude. I sincerely hope this music speaks to you and brings inspiration to your life.
Tocando a Vida – Life goes on. I wrote this tune for my Brazilian jazz trio Dialeto Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro in 2006, at a difficult time in my life – you wouldn’t guess it from its good vibe -- but it somehow acknowledges that life will always find a way to heal itself and to transform us along the way. Composing has helped me get through troubled times. “Tocando a Vida” plays with the Portuguese verb “tocar,” which can have several meanings: to play (an instrument), to play (a game), to touch, or to move on. This big band arrangement was written in 2024, especially to feature Eric Marienthal on sax, one of my most cherished collaborations to date.
Sea-Song – Life is full of uncertainties, dangers, and hope. The life of an immigrant often feels vulnerable; it’s a little like being a child again: relearning to speak and to express ourselves in a new language, changing our behavior according to the new culture, constantly adjusting to new norms and expectations. This composition was inspired both by my experience as an immigrant, and by the poet Richard Blanco’s words: “The sea doesn’t matter; what matters is this: we all belong to the sea between us.” The chart’s triple meter, along with an odd bass line (and a few odd meters thrown in) represent the sea.
Flight 962 – Life is full of opportunities. I composed this samba in Tacoma (WA) in 2019, in celebration of my 10th anniversary living in the U.S. It captures the excitement of my first journey from Rio de Janeiro to Portland, Oregon, back in 2009, which was the beginning of a new fascinating phase in my life – one that led me to my family, the building of my career, and a world of new friendships and collaborative opportunities.
Unwritten Letter – A life well lived is filled with memories and stories. I wrote this piece in Oregon, in 2011, for my album Letters to Grace: A Song Cycle, but it never received lyrics, and so this “song” never made it into that project. I set it aside as the “unwritten letter” until 2024, when I decided to arrange it for this album. Often, instrumental music can speak better than words.
Scrabble – A life well lived is playful and filled with true friendships. To me, writing bebop has always felt like playing a game: there are so many possibilities in its chromatic melodies, rhythmic variations, and dissonant chord voicings. Though it may seem odd to feature one bebop chart on a mostly Brazilian jazz album, it was an intentional decision on my part: this chart speaks to the cross-cultural character of my work. I dedicate this chart to all my jazz friends who have performed and enjoyed my work with open hearts and minds.
In Her Garden – Love is life’s greatest gift. My family’s small backyard garden feeds us, both literally and metaphorically. First, we gather from it all sorts of delicious produce: berries, green leaves, vegetables, and fruits. But it also feeds our soul: it’s a place of imaginary play for our children, a place of joy, and a haven for our summer picnics. This is my wife’s place: where we all feel safe, happy, and loved. Musically speaking, every phrase in this chart starts with a simple, short melodic idea that slowly unfolds, expands its roots, and blossoms.
Choro for my Boys – Life gives us an opportunity to care for each other. A typical choro – a music style popular in Rio de Janeiro since the late 1800s – is usually written in three major parts in different keys, which provided me with an opportunity to celebrate my three sons.
Mistlike – Life is fragile. In 2023, my family was suddenly reminded of life’s immense fragility. One year later, in the summer of 2024, I composed this piece inspired by that traumatic experience. The title comes from the realization that our lives are “like a mist that appears for a while and then vanishes.”
