Guitarist Lanny Gordin, the Brazilian Hendrix, has died at the age of 72

Guitarist Lanny Gordin, who marked an era in the Tropicália era, died this Tuesday (28/11) at the age of 72, after a month of hospitalization due to pneumonia at the Ignácio Proença de Gouveia hospital, in Sao Paulo. Born Alexander Gordin in Shanghai, the son of a Russian father and a Polish mother, and raised between Israel and Brazil, he left an unprecedented legacy in Brazilian music.

From a young age, Lanny demonstrated unusual talent. At 16 he was already making himself noticed in the Stardust nightclub, in Praça Roosevelt, in Sao Paulo. With an innovative and bold style, which made him compare to Jimi Hendrix, he was soon invited to join Jovem Guarda, recording with Eduardo Araújo the song “Nem Sim, Nem Não” in 1968. The following year he formed the Brazilian group Octopus, together with Hermeto Pascoal and Olmir Stocker. The group released an LP that became revered for its innovative fusion of jazz, rock, bossa nova and classical music, highlighting the versatility and experimentalism that would accompany Gordin’s career.

Lanny Gordin quickly attracted the attention of Tropicália artists, participating in iconic albums such as “Gal Costa” (1969), “Gal” (1969), “LeGal” (1970) and “Fatal – A Todo Vapor” (1971), ” Caetano Veloso” (the 1969 white album), “Gilberto Gil” (1969) and “Expresso 2222” (1972). His ability to mix styles and innovate with the guitar was fundamental to the sound of these works, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock into songs that have become classics of Brazilian music. His contribution marked songs such as “Divino, Maravilhoso”, “Baby”, “Não Identificado”, helping to shape the sound of Tropicália. He was also a key player in Jards Macalé’s debut album, Rita Lee’s first solo album, “Build Up” (1970), and in Erasmo Carlos’ “Carlos, Erasmo” (1971), as well as having worked with Tim Maia, Elis Regina and many others.

During the height of his career, Lanny went to London, where he discovered LSD. Continued use of the drug caused irreversible damage. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, he ended up admitted to a psychiatric clinic, receiving electroshock treatment and retired from the stage. His return to music was timid, participating in the 1980s in the Banda Performática of the painter José Roberto Aguilar, in works by the singers Itamar Assumpção and Vange Leonel, as well as the album “Aos Vivos” (1995) by the singer Chico César.

His first solo album came out only in 2001, the self-titled “Lanny Gordin”, followed by “Projeto Alfa” (2004), both from the independent record label Baratos Afins, and the acclaimed albums “Duos” (2005). and “Lanny Duos” (2007), which featured several Brazilian music stars. These works reaffirmed his position as one of the greatest Brazilian guitarists.

In recent years he has faced significant health problems, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and inflammation of the joints in his spine, but he continued to play the guitar, recording his story in the documentary “Unheard of”, released in 2020 .

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.