Put together Brazil’ s answer to St.Tropez,or Buzios( “conchas”) with this nation’s top crooner, Roberto Carlos,81, and you have sheer magic!
That’ s what this observer experienced Friday evening 173 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro aboard the 17- deck Brazilian flagship MSC Fantasia where Brazil’ s answer to Júlio Iglesa and Frank Sinatra enchanted over 1,600 fans.
We were aboard a ship (or love boat?) ancored in the Armação district of lovely picture postcard paradise Buzios.
It had set sail from Santos, São Paulo on 2 March and was en route to Angra dos Reis( RJ).and Ilhabela( São Paulo) .
This five day cruise cost His Majesty’s fans up to the equivalent of 3,000 dollars each for a cabin alone.
The decks indeed live up to the name of a ‘ phantasy’ voyage including aboard swimming pools, hotubs,Las Vegas- like gambling machines and a giant restaurant with everything from.health food, pizza to high cuisine.
Judging from the overwhelming reaction of especially the women competing to receive the Pop Music King’s roses thrown out to the public ,any price was worth it!
RCarloses 90- minute show included a lively orchestra of among the best musicians in Brazil’s pop world, two pianos/ keyboards,two trumpets, a trombone, two sabes and two percussionists , guitarists and even a dancing accompanying chorus gal singer.
Quite a change from the monotonous and repetitive rap” music “which haunts us in shopping malls, restaurants and even rest rooms!
The New generation may call RCarloses music “square”( or “cafona” in Portuguese) but his career has included nightclubbing, TV shows until today, movies , world tours, best – selling cds / records usually composed with his late colleague Erasmo Carlos( no family relationship).
Prior to the show which went from 11pm to 1230am, the King granted an interview to the media in which he claimed he had a new girlfriend .
Would he marry again ?
” I have nothing against marriage, ” replied the thrice married King.
” But let us see…, ” he added, refusing to name whom holds the key to his heart.
We also learned King Roberto was planning to cut a new ” record” ( Oh that dates me) in Spanish.
Which led to my question: Would the King be returniing to enchant once again my native New York City at Radio City Music Hall?
And will there be an ” Emotions 2024″ cruise ship when The King — complete with his new Queen–celebrates his 82nd birthday ?
Stay tuned!!!