The country duo, successful in the 90s, returns reformulated with new arrangements and a touch of maturity
The country duo Xicotinho & Salto Alto, formed by Stella Miranda and Katia Bronstein, returns after three decades. With performances scheduled for January 29 and 30 at Manouche, Rio de Janeiro, the show combines classics from the original repertoire and new songs in a show with the artistic direction of Gringo Cardia.
Reunion celebrates 30 years of history
Xicotinho & Salto Alto emerged in the early 1990s as an innovative proposition in country music, combining irreverence, vocal technique and bold imagery. After a long break, the duo returns with new energy and promises to revisit the repertoire that marked their trajectory.
In an interview with O Globo, Stella Miranda recalled how the partnership began: “I wanted a country duo that represented the country soul, but with our touch. When I met Katia, everything fell into place.” Katia, who performed the counter melody, adds: “Despite our different voices, we managed to create a harmony which was essential for the success.”
Lightning career in the 90s
The duo recorded an LP in 1992 with songs by Marisa Monte, Herbert Vianna and Lindomar Castilho, as well as songs from the film “Nashville” adapted by Stella into Portuguese. The eccentric look, designed by Gringo Cardia, and the eclectic repertoire have made Xicotinho & Salto Alto conquer audiences at agricultural fairs, television programs and major events such as Country in Rio and Festa do Peão de Barretos.
“We sang country music with humor, but without parody. It was a tribute to the genre,” Katia emphasizes. Stella agrees: “We performed alongside the great duets of the time, but we were different. This intrigued the audience and, in the end, won us over.”
The show includes new partnerships and updated repertoire
For their comeback, the duo will have a band composed of renowned musicians, such as Charles Gavin (Titãs) on drums and Rick Ferreira (from Raul Seixas’ band) on guitar. The repertoire includes songs from the original album and new ones such as “Dublê de Vaqueiro”, by João Gomes, as well as reinterpretations by Tom Waits and Raul Seixas.
The show will also have costumes created by a drag queen nominated by Gringo Cardia, who is the artistic director. “It’s the same Xicotinho and Salto Alto, but with a mature and different touch,” says Stella.
Stella and Katia underline that their current work maintains the light and irreverent tone of the past. “We respect those who do it, but in Xicotinho and Salto Alto there is no suffering”, jokes Stella.
Pioneering legacy in the country
As one of the country’s first female duos, Xicotinho and Salto Alto opened space for women in the genre in a male-dominated era. “We brought something new and showed that there was a place for women in the countryside, despite initial resistance,” reflects Stella.
The duo’s return promises to save memories and conquer new generations, combining tradition and innovation on stage.
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.
