Bill O’Brien Photos
On Thursday, July 12, an audience estimated to be over 900, was treated to lively arrangements of Brazilian Samba and choro music on the Branford Green.
Under the leadership of Richard Boukas, internationally acclaimed contemporary performing artist, composer, educator, author and journalist, the Quarteto Moderno Brazilian Jazz Quartet dazzled the crowd with an evening of diverse Brazilian Jazz compositions. Other members of the group included …
… Gustavo Amarante, bass, and John Ellis, saxophone …
… and Rogerio Boccato, drums.
Richard Boukas opened with his original composition, “Mineiro Mesmo,” a samba, followed by “Sempre Jacob,” a choro musical genre described in American terms as the New Orleans jazz of Brazil. It is a complex musical form based on improvision. To the people of South America “choro” is Brazil.
Branfordite Dennis Swirsky supported Croatia in the World Cup.
Some folks laid out their blankets as early as 12:15 p.m. to hold their spot for the concert.
Jim and Valarie Tucker of Branford took the granddaughter, Kennedy, age 3½, to the concert.
Folks even come by bike to the jazz concerts.
That may have been a bit early, but it shows the interest the jazz series has created since it started 10 years ago. A loyal audience, of all ages, attends the concerts weekly and enjoys the warm weather and great music. Add a comfortable chair, a basket of treats, and some beverages and it doesn’t get any better than that.
Shane LaManglia and Kenzie Jones of Branford took advantage of the burgers from JJ’s mobile food truck.
The crowd applauded the group’s performance.
And two youngsters played peek‑a boo behind a curtain.
Community House Program Coordinator Andrea Kinney joins some of her summer camp youngsters
After the concert Boukas said, “Our performance at this festival was Quarteto Moderno’s highlight of the year. The site is absolutely beautiful and the full capacity audience was so keenly attentive and responsive. That was impressive being that most of them probably have not listened to much Brazilian music before.”
He added, “I view our performance as a threefold opportunity for the audience: artistic, cultural, and educational. Branford is a town that truly values the arts as a vital part of its community fabric, a vortex for bringing people together.”
The monument gang is at all the concerts.
Melissa Nicholson, next year’s chair of the Branford Festival, enjoyed the music. “I can’t say I’ve heard Brazilian jazz before, but when I read about tonight’s concert, it made me want to be here, and I’m glad I came. I enjoyed it tonight.”
