John Beasley’s Brazilian influences and inspirations:
Soon after high school, John Beasley joined the Sergio Mendes band, along with the young Dianne Reeves, Siedah Garrett, Sergio’s wife Gracinha Leporace, Sebastian Neto, John Pisano and Oscar Castro-Neves.
During this eight-year tenure, Neto took Beasley under his wing and showed him percussion rhythms. Mendes and Mocier Santos became mentor-teachers. Sergio had Beasley copy Ivan Lins songs, which deepened his knowledge of the Brazilian songbook. Beasley was fortunate to meet and record with Ivan Lins and Tania Maria; and was introduced to Edu Lobo, Djavan and Nana Caymi. Beasley is indebted to all of these musicians, as their lessons in life and music have infused every song and project that he has made over a 30-year career, whether the music was Brazilian or not.
For Week 2 of Beasley’s Blue Whale residency, Beasley pays homage to his teachers and the music. He revisits the Brazilian songbook not to mimic the original songs, but like other jazz standards, to play off of them and illustrate his musical growth. Giving a nod to the past, but nose forward to evolve a future sound.
Playing my favorite Brazilian compositions by Ivan Lins, Caetano Velosa, Gilberto Gil, Edo Lobo (not necessarily in bossa/samba style)
John Beasley Residency – Week 2 – Jan 16
Trio: Gary Novak (drums), Carlitos del Puerto (bass), John Beasley (piano) with guest artists playing Beasley’s .
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St, Ste 301, LA, 90012 - 213-620-0908 http://bluewhalemusic.com/
9pm+10:30pm | $15