Duarte
Brings Latin Fusion to Life
at Café Capoeira
by Juliana Birnbaum
Bringing the rhythms
of Brazil to meet flamenco guitar and Latin jazz, Tom Duarte and his
band Diamante played a crowded Café Capoeira last Friday night
in Berkeley. The evening broke new ground in several ways: as
a creative expression of the fusion of several musical styles, as a
new adventure of a group of talented instrumentalists, and as a part
of establishing Café Capoeira as an up-and-coming venue for Latin
music.
In the true sense of the phrase “Latin fusion,” Duarte's groove expressed
the diversity and range of Latin-influenced sound. The group melds
samba beats with masterful Spanish guitar styles within songs that venture
into the improvisational solos of jazz and psychedelic rock. The
band, made up
of bass, guitars, a drum set and hand percussion, is a new project led
by Duarte on lead acoustic and electric guitar. His style finds
its roots in traditional Latin music, which he has been practicing since
the ‘80s. The band's set Friday included pieces by Chick Corea, Ray
Obiedo and original compostions. The high level of musicianship
was obvious and the sound energetic and tight—especially considering
that it was only the second public appearance of the band.
Tom Duarte's new CD release, Diamante, is described as “a
Latin-centric outing that focuses on danceable Brazilian grooves and
fiery solo Flamenco pieces.” In the past Duarte has toured with keyboardist
Merl Saunders and recorded with Gregg Rolie (Santana/Journey keyboardist/vocalist).
He is headed to Brazil later this month, and plans to play in Europe
this year as well.
“I was really happy with the turnout,” Duarte commented, “especially
since the band is new and the venue is still being established.”
Café Capoeira, which is a well-known Capoeira school, café
and art gallery in downtown Berkeley, is starting to include more live
Latin shows at night. With its brightly painted walls the café
has a warm, community feeling, though the dance floor is somewhat hidden
behind the stage in the capoeira practice space.
Both the café and the band show great promise for those interested
in innovative Latin music and a fun, relaxed vibe.
| Music | Discography | More Videos | Calendar | Bio | Photos |