Milton Nascimento and the Jobim Trio Make their Walt Disney Concert Hall Debut in Support of Their New Release Novas Bossas

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008, at 8 PM

Media support provided by 89.9 KCRW

Vocalist Milton Nascimento, one of the most celebrated and iconic figures of Brazilian music, performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Wednesday, October 29, at 8 p.m., with the Jobim Trio, in support of their new Blue Note Records release, Novas Bossas. This performance marks the first of four concerts that comprise the 2008/09 World Music series at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Antonio Carlos Jobim, otherwise known as Tom Jobim, used to say that Milton Nascimento was the only singer capable of reaching the original pitches of his compositions. In 1958, an unknown João Gilberto tirelessly rehearsed the acoustic guitar beat – fueled by Jobim’s songs – that would launch the bossa nova movement. Nothing could be more appropriate, therefore, than Milton Nascimento joining the Jobim Trio to release Novas Bossas, a homage to the bossa nova movement, during the year of bossa nova’s 50th anniversary.

Brazil’s angelic-voiced Nascimento has been enchanting audiences the world over for over four decades. Combined with the Jobim trio – Paulo and Daniel Jobim and drummer Paulo Graga, and young bass player Rodrigo Villa – this evening’s program features bossa nova masterpieces and pays tribute to one of the richest periods in Brazil’s musical history.

The 2007/08 World Music series at Walt Disney Concert Hall continues with the taiko drumming group Kodo on Sunday, February 8; one of the world’s most captivating tango groups, Estampas Porteñas, on Sunday, March 1; and Portugal’s alluring fado singer, Mariza, on Wednesday, March 18.

The seeds for Novas Bossas, the new release (Blue Note Records) by MILTON NASCIMENTO AND THE JOBIM TRIO, were planted in 2007, by virtue of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Tom Jobim’s birth. Nascimento and the Jobim Trio performed together at Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden, in a concert rendering homage to the supreme maestro. The event was a reunion of long-acquainted artists. Milton was Tom Jobim’s friend, and Jobim once wrote a text calling him his “true panther” and his “true song-bird.” As for Paulo Jobim, he took part in Nascimento’s Clube da Esquina 2 tour, carrying along with him his son Daniel. The relationship between Milton and drummer Paulo Braga, third member of the Jobim Trio, goes back to the early days in their careers. Novas Bossas is one more chapter of this story, which already adds up to more than four decades. It was born without any rush, in a friendly atmosphere. The first song recorded was “Samba do Avião,” which appeared in the soundtrack of Paraíso Tropical, a soap opera. Daniel Jobim explains that the track list emerged “spontaneously, in afternoons of music and reminiscences.” “Milton wanted to record several pieces from my father,” says Paulo Jobim. Daniel suggested the inclusion of “Tudo que Você Podia Ser.” “I have always been in love with this song and I thought it had a lot to do with the album’s atmosphere. Milton loved the suggestion, because the only time he recorded it was for Clube da Esquina and he never sang it again, not even at concerts.” The couple of recordings that came from Milton’s repertoire were ideas from Paulo Jobim. “While I was playing at the studio, I felt an urge to remember ‘Cais’ and also suggested ‘Tarde,’ which has a beautiful harmony and reminds me a lot of the time Milton came to Rio.” “I thought it was great to have the opportunity to play my songs in a different way,” adds Milton. Paulo also wanted a song from Caymmi in the album. “Milton agreed with that right away, since he had been showing interest in recording “O Vento” for a long time.” Paulo Jobim was responsible as well for the inclusion of Daniel Jobim’s composition, “Dias Azuis.” Milton also felt like recording a samba – Daniel Jobim thought of “Velho Riacho.” Milton wanted a song in F – Daniel brought in “Esperança Perdida.” Milton remembered Vinicius de Moraes’ melodies and decided to record them – the chosen one was “Medo de Amar,” a song with lyrics and music from Moraes, aka “The Poet.” And that is how the album evolved, in an absolutely intuitive way.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music — Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008, 8 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles



World Music Series



MILTON NASCIMENTO AND THE JOBIM TRIO




Media support is provided by 89.9 KCRW

Tickets ($36- $89) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($17), will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Recital, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only.  Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

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