Trying to catch up with the Brazilian jazz and popular music world after decades of being submerged in the so-called “erudite” music world of Brazil, this observer was a bit embarrassed to sit almost onstage at the Blue Note nightspot or directly in front of pianist Gilson Peranzzetta and Marcel Powell, guitarist, as they performed a duo with at the Blue Note.
But my perch almost on Gilson´s piano last Friday evening at this lovely jazz and pop spot near the ocean breezes of Avenida Atlantica in Copacabana, gave me a peek into how the Maestro pianist, accordionist, clarinetist, composer, arranger and musical producer functions.
For on his music stand of his piano which seemed to contain his elaborate virtuoso improvisations were simple lead sheets with both the music and the words!
A jazz pianist reading music?
Reminded me of Brazil´s legendary Brazilian pianist Roberto Szidon, in the classical world who would play the major concertos with the score in front of him.
Peranzzetta ,78, a native of Rio de Janeiro, who studied with Brazilian classical pianists Sonia Maria Vieira and Vilma Graca (a concert pianist who taught some of the greats of Brazilian popular music) as well as local jazz-bossa nova icon Joao Donato, has a light touch and extraordinary technique.
As I come from North America and not South, Gilson’s Brazilian way/style of piano playing reminds this aging listener of the legendary “swing” pianist Teddy Wilson who was part of king of swing” clarinetist Benny Goodman´s trio when not accompanying such jazz greats as singer Billie Holiday among others.
(Wilson admitted to be a disciple of Earl Hines, Fats Waller and Art Tatum, all jazz piano virtuosi admired internationally.)
Maestro Gilson has accompanied Brazilian legends including Simone, Fatima Guedes, Gal Costa and composer – singer- pianist Ivan Lins, among others when not orchestrating for such greats as Leny Andrade to Dionne Warwick.
His musical partner for the last decade at the Blue Note Friday evening Marcel Powell,42, born in Paris but a Brazilian, is following in the footsteps of his esteemed father, Baden Powell, composer and guitarist.
The theme of last Friday evening was “A Tribute to Sebastiao Tapajos” (Santarem, Para,1923- Santarem,2021). The late composer -guitarist studied in Portugal and Spain and has an Institute in his honor in his native city in Pará state, northern Brazil.
Contrary to Tom Jobim´s famous bossa nova “Slightly Out of Tune,” Marcel´s synchronicity with Gilson´s virtuoso piano was always evident Friday evening at the hushed (a surprise for Rio de Janeiro!) and appreciative audience.
The duo has been making music together for a decade and an observer is surprised that the Blue Note doesn’t seem to be repeating the musicians so far for 2025.
The duo has recorded (available on Shopee Brasil) a CD called “Pro Tiao” which includes some of the repertoire heard at the Blue Note in tribute to Sebastiao (Tiao)Tapajos.