The project brings new looks to the classics of Roberto Carlos, Beatles, Tom Jobim and Carlos Gardel
Henrique Portugal, former Skank keyboardist, releases this Friday (7/6) an EP of reinterpretations of national and international classics with the group Solar Big Band, which mixes pop and rock genres with horn arrangements. The band was created by the musician with the mission of playing big hits in a format that can be defined as jazz pop.
“This project took four years to make and was made with a lot of dedication and passion for music”, exclaimed the musician on the occasion of the release of the EP “Henrique Portugal & Solar Big Band”, which promises new developments in the scene artistic. “I recorded songs that I love and would like to hear with Bigband arrangements,” Portugal added.
One of the released songs, “Olha”, a 1975 hit by Roberto Carlos, features a string orchestra recorded in Chicago (USA) by maestro Matt Jones, who has worked with John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Usher, among others . The song was basically a choice of Daniela Portugal, Henrique’s wife, who asked for a personal recording and asked the musician to release her voice in the project.
“This was the first song I played the piano and sang to my wife. This song has a very important meaning for us. From this recording onwards I have definitely taken on my role of performing the songs I have always liked,” Portugal commented exclusively.
The inaugural EP has four tracks. In addition to the Roberto Carlos classic, it includes new versions of the songs “Ticket to Ride” (The Beatles), “El Dia que Me Quieras” (Carlos Gardel) and “Eu Sei que Vou te Amar” (Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim) , all of very different genres.
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Producer Ruben di Souza was the first called to help Portugal develop the artistic project. Together, they selected the repertoire and added drummer Xande Tamietti and brass instruments of Jessé Sadock, Rafael Rocha, Danilo Sina and Marcelo Martins. The songs were orchestrated by maestro Tiquinho (“Funk Como Le Gusta”) with percussion and drums by maestros Marco Lobo and Walmir Bessa respectively. And the songs were recorded by William Luna, at Cia dos Técnicos Studios.
The project doesn’t end with the EP. Until the end of the semester, new versions of songs by Elton John, Lô Borges and four new compositions by the Solar Big Band will be presented.
Source: Terra
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.
