Brazilian music at Ta' Liesse
Brazilian music was often on the bill in past editions of the Malta Jazz Festival. Whether it was bossa nova, MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) or the baiao rhythms of the North East, the stage at Ta' Liesse was a brilliant showcase for the wide variety...
Brazilian music was often on the bill in past editions of the Malta Jazz Festival. Whether it was bossa nova, MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) or the baiao rhythms of the North East, the stage at Ta' Liesse was a brilliant showcase for the wide variety of styles of Brazilian music.
One can cite Joao Bosco's memorable performance in the 2004 edition, or the more intimate bossa nova renditions by Rosa Passos 4 years ago. Other Brazilian greats who have graced the festival have included Jorge Ben, Egberto Gismonti, Tania Maria and Monica Salmaso.
This year is set for another treat as Eliane Elias pays homage to bossa nova on the 17th of July.
Some past festival-goers may remember Eliane Elias from her 1999 appearance at Ta' Liesse with Mike Manieri's Steps Ahead. The Sao Paolo-born pianist/vocalist started her performing career in Brazil with Toquinho and Vinicius de Moraes and eventually moved to New York, where she began to work with the group Steps Ahead.
She then pursued a solo career spanning over 18 albums to date, the latest being 'Bossa Nova Stories' - an album which has been topping the charts in France, Japan and the U.S. Eliane Elias will be accompanied by Marc Johnson (legendary bass player who was a member of one of Bill Evans' seminal piano trios), drummer Rafael Barata and guitarist Rubens de la Corte, best known for his work with Angelique Kidjo.
Featuring on the same bill on the 17th July are guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel's Standards trio with Eric Revis and Rodney Green, and Oliver Degabriele's trio featuring Alison Galea. The festival will be held on the 16th, 17th and 18th of July at Ta' Liesse in Valletta. Tickets are available on www.maltaticket.com.