Brazilian jazz heats up Toronto

Posted on 10. Feb, 2010 by David White in A&E

PATRICK FALLER
A&E REPORTER

Students looking to expand their musical horizons this Valentine’s Day need to look no further than Sinal Aberto, a Brazilian jazz quintet that has its roots in Rio and Humber.
The band will be play Sunday at the Lula Lounge in Toronto.
Gord Sheard, piano player and jazz teacher in the music program, said it is the perfect way to spend a romantic night out.
“A lot of Brazilian songs deal with love. It’s all beautiful music being sung in a beautiful language. It would make a great date,” he said.
Sheard said he started the band after being asked to play at the 2009 Kincardine Summer Music Festival, whose organizers were looking to add some Brazilian music to the lineup.
Excited at the chance to play his favourite type of music, Sheard assembled the band from his colleagues and invited Luanda Jones, a Brazilian singer living in Toronto, to join.
“I loved Luanda’s voice. The whole band is good. Anyone who comes on Feb. 14 will hear some really fine musicianship from people I am lucky to have in the band,” Sheard said.
Another one of the musicians is Mark Kelso, head of percussion in Humber’s music program.
Kelso said he thinks couples looking to do something different this Valentine’s Day won’t be disappointed by the band’s sexy sound.
“Brazilian jazz is powerful, rhythmic, exciting and really a lot of fun. In my opinion, it’s also one of the most beautiful, romantic things I’ve ever heard,” he said.
Both Sheard and Kelso said they try to expose their students to Brazilian jazz.
First-year music student, Erik Peterson, said he’s glad his instructors shared this type of music with him.
“I’m totally into the music,” he said. “It’s my favourite genre and I’d like to pursue it more.”
Sinal Aberto plays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Lula Lounge, 1585 Dundas St. W.