A tribiute to Choro Music

The Choro was born around 1870 in Cidade Nova, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro with a primarily black population. Like Jazz in Northern America Choro is the synthesis of European dance music (such as polkas, waltzes and mazurkas) with African rhythms. The years from the beginning of this first truly Brazilian urban music until 1920 are called the “Golden Age of Choro”. Many of the compositions created in this time became evergreens in Brazil.

After a time, when Choro music seemed to have lost its importance, the influence of the radio and the unique artistic talents of musicians such as Pixinguinha and Jacob do Bandolim made it regain its place in popular music. Another great revival followed in the seventies. Today Choro music in Brazil is as alive as ever. There are striking similarities between Choro music and traditional New Orleans Jazz: The heart of the music is the joint effort of all musicians rather than the virtuosity of one soloist. The improvisations happen mostly in the context of the ensemble with one instrument playing the lead or variations of it, while others produce exciting counterpoints.

Of great importance for the development of the choro were and still are the “rodas”, which are comparable to the jam sessions of jazz music. These rodas are social events, in which choro musicians play together and learn from each other. The egalitarian ethos of the roda is responsible for the democratic character of the choro.

“Noites Cariocas” was created by Thomas l’Etienne, one of Europe’s leading exponents of New Orleans jazz. It is a homage to the great Brazilian art form and the magic compositions of Ernesto Nazaré, Pixinguinha and Jacob do Bandolim and at the same time a respectful tête-à-tête between New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, between the musical worlds of Louis Armstrong and Pixinguinha.

Choro music is also a wonderful musical vehicle for Uli Wunner and Thomas l’Etienne to do what they like and what they do best: To play music together. In 2008 the program was a celebrated highlight in jazz clubs and major jazz-festivals.