" Um Samba ao Contrário":
https://open.spotify.com/album/4ffB5boiJZ9eBQN7LfB0wG "Um Samba ao Contrário” asked to be born. I didn't create it, I only gave birth. The melodies came to me as if I was listening to a radio inside my head, representing the true state of my feelings. I then added the words, gradually, until they matched the melodies perfectly to my ears. When I had 14 songs ready, I knew it was time to record them and I felt that they had to be recorded in Brazil. These songs belong to the Rio de Janeiro of the late 1800’s— a place that I wish I had known. I wish I could have seen those moments when Classical European music married the African Rhythms. I wish I could have seen the astonished faces of the Brazilian people as they first listened to the new sounds produced by these musical “interracial" marriages! I travelled to Rio in January of 2016 and recorded the album in the heart of Rio de Janeiro-- a neighborhood called Lapa-- where music still pulses strongly in all its colors, shapes and forms. I delivered my music charts to some of the most talented local musicians. My music producer, best friend and loving husband, John Watts, advised the musicians that they were free to come up with any arrangement they had in mind, because after all, it was their language. And a miracle happened! The album was recorded in one day. And to our ears, it was simply perfect. Back in NYC we added the percussion and the accordion. And now, almost 1 years later we have the CDs printed, ready to be distributed. I didn't have children, but somehow I give birth to songs. And like a proud mother who wishes the best for her children, I hope "my children" will go into the world and touch people through their honesty and inner beauty. I hope this album will contribute to keeping alive our beautiful Brazilian music traditions.
From left to right : Rafael Barata, Luis Barcelos, Guto Wirtti, Débora Watts and Rogério Caetano.
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
From lef to right: Rogério Caetano, Débora Watts, John Watts, Rafael Barata, Carlos Fuchs, Luis Barcelos and Guto Wirtti.
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil.
View of downtown Rio at night from the music studio..
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
View of downtown Rio at night from the music studio.
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
View of downtown Rio at night from the music studio.
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
During the recording of Vampiros video. Débora Watts and Rogério Caetano.
Photo taken by David Obadia, Digi2 Criações Digital at Tenda da Raposa Studio, Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil
