TRE is Rodrigo Simoes' new concept album through Canadian jazz label Three Pines Records.
Rodrigo Simoes is a Brazilian jazz guitarist and composer. He performs regularly in Montreal and the region.
With TRE, we find the DNA of Rodrigo Simoes' sound: Latin guitar, Afro-Brazilian grooves and jazz fusion. Added to this is the inspiration of the number 3 which makes TRE a real concept album!
TRE (three in Italian) offers unusual ternary compositions that reveal the mastery of the styles of Brazilian popular music and the skill of Simoes for the arrangements. For example, Bituca samba is composed in 3⁄4 while sambas are usually composed in 2/4.
Rodrigo Simoes joined forces with Carl Mayotte on bass and Mark Nelson on drums to form a trio. It welcomes 3 renowned guests: saxophonist Jean-Pierre Zanella on Add 1 teco and Bituca; the percussionist Elli Miller-Maboungou on Ibi and Na Categoria; the singer Bianca Rocha who lends her voice on the titles Baião de 3 and Compo 9.
On 9 titles, TRE explores the diversity of Brazilian jazz in an upbeat style that gives pride of place to improvisation. We find the influence of Milton Nascimento on the cheerful Bituca, a tribute to Mercedes Sosa with the cover of Balderrama and a nod to Charlie Parker on the jazz waltz Yardbird Free.
This third album under the sign of 3, the number of balance, reveals a brand new Rodrigo Simoes, in full control of his musical background and still inhabited by the same enthusiasm. TRE arrives after Brazilian Jazz, the second album – the number 2 represents duality – the one after immigration, the big gap between the fire of Brazil and the ice of Quebec. TRE appears as the album of rediscovered unity.
For the concert, Rodrigo Simoes suggests playing the entire album with the same musicians as on the album.
Magali Balles (writer)
