Dina Blade - Bossa Amazônica (2016)

Here is a review from the August 2016 issue of Earshot Jazz Magazine. (Note: the adjective "ataractic" means state of serene calmness). "Summer is finally upon us, and Dina Blade has given listeners a soundtrack to which they can enjoy the warmer months. As listeners journey through the ataractic tracks, a few surprises pop up along the way - one of which is a sensational cover of "The Girl From Ipanema." The album showcases a large group of talented musicians consisting of Dario Quintana on drums, Sandoval França on soprano and tenor sax, Pedro Cruz on violin, André Dantas on a medley of instruments, Alexandre Anselmo on batería and jeff Busch on cuica. At the forefront of the listening experience are Blade's controlled and powerful vocals. Smoother subgenres of jazz can at times be difficult to capture dynamically, yet Blade pulls this off flawlessly. Blade, who is no stranger to the culture of South America, sports a palpable understanding and a creative approach to bossa nova. The captivating soundscapes created by the ensemble seem to lull listeners into entrancement. But, as soon as you find yourself drifting away, Blade's voice guides you back in. Grab yourself a smooth cocktail, set up some speakers outside, and dive into the enticing tones of Dina Blade's "Bossa Amazonica"." ~CC

My fascination with Brazilian bossa nova began the moment I heard singer/guitarist João Gilberto playing “Só Danço Samba” (“I Only Dance Samba”). I was enthralled with the combination of the alluring rhythm and marvelous melody that made me feel calm but definitely alive. I was also amazed to hear so much music coming out of just one person! By mid-song I was smitten and vowed right then to begin learning the rhythms of bossa nova guitar and Brazilian Portuguese. So began my journey. First I travelled to Salvador, the country’s original capital in the northeastern state of Bahia, where drum schools prevail and African rhythms permeate every genre of local music. Five years passed before I returned to Brazil, this time to Rio de Janeiro, and in that marvelous city at a rooftop party overlooking Ipanema beach, I discovered how much Brazilians love to sing and was thrilled to accompany them on my guitar. Everyone joined in enthusiastically and I received several delicious caipirinhas for my efforts. Soon after, on a side trip to Campinas near São Paulo, I was invited to give a concert of American jazz and bossa nova with an excellent local quartet, and performed some tap dancing, trading rhythms with the drummer! Another high point. In recent years I have visited the Amazonian city of Rio Branco, where this CD project was recorded, and have had many incredible experiences playing with musicians in that beautiful place in the Amazon forest, communicating through our common language of music: jazz, folk, bossa nova and samba. The people of Rio Branco are extremely kind, generous, and warmly accepting of me, the “cantora americana,” for which I am grateful. This project is dedicated to them, my wonderful friends in Acre state. Thank you all for the inspiration and unforgettable memories. You have made my life richer and I will keep you in my heart forever.

Minha fascinação com a bossa nova começou no momento em que eu ouvi a música “Só Danço Samba” de João Gilberto. Eu fiquei encantada com a perfeição da música – um ritmo sedutor combinado com uma maravilhosa melodia, que me fez sentir calma, mas ao mesmo tempo muito viva. Eu fiquei admirada com tanta música vinda te apenas uma pessoa! Já na metade da música eu estava totalmente fascinada, e então prometi para mim mesma que iria começar a aprender português e os ritmos da bossa nova no violão. Primeiro eu viajei para Salvador da Bahia, onde existem os típicos blocos de percussão e onde os ritmos africanos permeiam todos os gêneros da música local. Cinco anos passaram antes que eu pudesse retornar, dessa vez ao Rio de Janeiro. Foi nessa cidade maravilhosa, numa festa em um terraço, vendo a praia de Ipanema de cima, que eu descobri quanto os brasileiros amam cantar, enquanto eu os acompanhava no violão. Os convidados da festa se juntaram entusiasmados, e depois eu fui presenteada com deliciosas caipirinhas em troca dos meus esforços. Nessa mesma viagem eu fui a Campinas. Eu havia sido convidada a dar um concerto de jazz americano e bossa nova com um excelente quarteto local, e até dancei sapateado ao som do baterista. Recentemente eu visitei a cidade de Rio Branco na floresta amazônica, onde esse CD projeto foi gravado e tive muitas experiências incríveis tocando com músicos nesse bonito lugar, comunicando-me através da linguagem comum da música – jazz, folk, bossa nova e samba. As pessoas de Rio Branco são extremamente amáveis, generosos e calorosamente receptivos com essa “cantora americana”. Esse projeto eu dedico a eles, meu amigos maravilhosos do estado do Acre. Obrigada por essas lembranças inspiradoras e inesquecíveis. Vocês fizeram minha vida mais rica e eu guardarei vocês no meu coração para sempre.