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Listen to an exciting blend of the hot music of Brasil and cool American jazz... More on Ben Sher |
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| Jim Macnie, Village Voice, March 2001— “Ben Sher’s TudoBem: Splitting the difference between gentility and jousting, the guitarist and his associates skip along with a Brazilian gait that usually touts grace and groove. Don’t worry, there’s a bit of punch to it, too...” E-Mail us |
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In 1988 Ben released Tudo Bem?(which loosely translated means “Is everything cool?”) and the group by the same name was formed. They played their first extended engagement— a three-month run of Sundays at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City.
In 1999 TudoBem debuted in Europe: performing in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Highlights of that tour included concerts at the "Moods" jazz club in Zurich, the infamous "Rampenlicht" club in Bludenze, Austria. Later in 1999 Ben's trio premiered in Japan at the Blue Note in Fukuoka, performing music from Tudo Bem? and from Please Take Me To Brasil which was recorded in the Spring of 2000. You can catch TudoBem at the Blue Note in June(see upcoming performances).
TudoBem’s programs include classic bossa-nova works by Baden Powell, Antonios Carlos Jobim, traditional chorinhos by Pixinguinha and Gnattali, funky sambas by Djvan and Ivan Lins as well as Ben’s original compositions. The group moves in and out of engaging melodies through exciting improvisatory sections bringing something to everyone in the audience.
The other members of TudoBem have rich musical histories. Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza, who along with her warm, rich and facile soprano register has also contributed lyrics on many compositions by Sher. She has established herself as one of the premiere jazz vocalists today.Her name album, "The Poems of Elizabeth Bishop and Other Songs," is on Sunnyside Records, and was included in The New York Times 2000 "The Year in Pop and Jazz: the Critics' Choice" list, at number five. Widely recognized, drummer Duduka da Fonseca has recorded with Herbie Mann, Claudio Roditi, Tom Herrell, John Scofield, Joanne Brakeen and The New York Voices. His group, “Trio De Paz”, features vocalist Maucha Adnet. From 1984-1994 Maucha performed with, toured and recorded with legendary composer Antonios Carlos Jobim and his band “Banda Nova”. Since 1987 Maucha has lived in New York, performing with her own group as well as Herbie Mann, Claudio Roditi, Eliane Elias and Randy Brecker. One of the most highly regarded and in demand bassists on the scene today, Dennis Irwin has performed with John Scofield, Johnny Griffen and Joe Lovano.He was also a member of Art Blakey’s famous “Jazz Messengers.” Percussionist Valtinho Anastacio adds immeasurably to the authentic rhythmic spine of the group. Valtinho came to international recognition while working with the incomparable Brazilian vocalist, Elise Regina. Since his arrival in New York, he has toured and recorded with McCoy Tyner, Toshiko Akiyoshi and Kenny Barron. Noted bassist Joe Fitzgerald has worked with Mike Metheny, Chris Speed and performs regularly with Howard Alden, Cliff Korman and Café. Multi-reed player Adam Kolker plays tenor, soprano, flute and clarinet with an incredible facility that has made him one of the most in-demand players in New York. Adam can be found performing in New York City with The Village Vanguard Orchestra, The Maria Schneider Big Band and Bobby Previte. He is currently touring with Ray Baretto. His newest solo recording, Crazy Bird is released on Owl Records.