“Tanya Maria has the soul of a rebel but peace in her heart.” – Boston Globe
This special Arkadia DVD, “Tanya Maria: The Beat of Brazil”, displays Grammy nominated, Brazilian Jazz pianist and songstress Tanya Maria’s impressive live act which showcases the full spectrum of her unique amalgamation of genres; all while remaining distinctly and proudly Brazilian. Since her early days, Tanya Maria’s sensual vocal tones, tenacious stage performances, and percussive piano style have not only made her one of the true musical originals of her native Brazil, but have created a renowned sound that dazzles audiences in every corner of the globe. The film also features one of Brazil’s premiere guitarists, Laurindo Almeida, making this DVD a must-own for lovers of Jazz, Brazilians, Latin, and World Music.
“…a very vital and exciting performer. She is a pianist with tremendous drive and a vocalist who communicates as skillfully with humming scat phrases, vocalized lines that have trumpet tones, chirrups and whistling as she does with words.” – New York Times
The Ad Lib Series, now available on DVD for the first time, is a collection of 46 concert TV programs presenting the best Jazz, Pop and Blues artists showcasing their skills with a Jazz flair. Seen on TV internationally, Ad Lib (filmed in 1980) was the first musical television series recorded in Stereo. Each DVD features 2 episodes of the acclaimed Ad Lib Series.
Born in Brazil and surrounded by music as a child, Tanya Maria was first taught to play piano so that she could participate in her father’s weekend jam sessions, where the influences that would define her sound, Afro-Cuban, Soul, Chorinho, Jazz, Caribbean Salsa, Pop and most importantly Brazilian Bossa Nova and Samba, would become embedded in her style. As the fiercely independent singer, composer, pianist, and band leader grew, she found unique ways to intersperse her native Brazilian music and rhythms with Latin syncopation and the extemporaneous nature of American Jazz.
Featuring both Tanya Maria and Laurindo Almeida, this DVD, entitled, “Tanya Maria: The Beat of Brazil”, is evidence of Brazil’s extensive musical heritage and it’s influence on Jazz music.
Song Selection:
Show # 42:
- Laurindo Almeida: Lament For Rocky
- Tanya Maria: It’s Not For Me To Say
- Tanya Maria: Ven P’ra Roda
- Tanya Maria: Chiclete Com Banana
- Laurindo Almeida: Claire De Lune
Show #43:
- Laurindo Almeida: Voce E Eu
- Tanya Maria: Eruption
- Tanya Maria: Yatra-Ta
- Laurindo Almeida: Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desire
- Tanya Maria: O Que E Amar
Musicians Include:
Tanya Maria: Piano and vocals
Laurindo Almeida: Guitar
DVD Bonus Features:
- Tanya Maria Biography
- Ad Lib Highlights Reel (16 min.)
- Digitally Mastered Audio & Video
- Dolby Stereo Audio
- Instant Access Songs
- DVD Recommendations
DVD Length: 1 Hour plus, Bonus Features