2016

The Cuban Guaguanco and Brazilian Batucada percussion styles were introduced to me by my teacher Will Parsons, while I was a teenager. Particularly influential was the music of Carlos Embale, whose melody is referenced in the first piece. Later, I had the chance to become more familiar with Brazilian styles, including Maracatu, when I played with Antonio Cuhna (master of the Choro) and Pat O’Keefe (eclectic student of numerous Brazilian styles). These pieces are very personal interpretations of the three great musical traditions, wrapped up with my memories of the songs and people.