Also available by Gilberto Gil -
O Sol De Oslo
Z:300 Anos De Zumbi
Track Listing
1) Chamada
2) Meteorum
3) Flagelo
4) Danca das Mulheres
5) Lamento das Mulheres
6) Danca dos Homens
7) Danca da igua e sa Paz
8) Oracao
9) Requiem
10) Zumbi
Review
Zumbi was an important figure who founded "Palmares
Quilombo" where escaped, runaway, and freed Africans created
social organizations similar to what they had in Africa. Palmares
was a socially diverse community that also included whites who
were wanted by the Portuguese Crown. The Palmares Quilombo lasted
for almost a century before being overtaken by the Portuguese.
"Z" brings us a unique collaboration between Gilberto
Gil, Carlinhos Brown and Rodolfo Stroeter. Three of the most unique
musical minds in Brasil. As they say "Z" is the conscience
of our identity. "Z" is a mixture of languages and diverse
musical forms. This music reflects the diversification of the
infinite possibilities of the sounds of Brasil. Reaffirming the
profound identity of Brasil with Africa and yet following the
amplification of our diverse textures, and new paths which are
to be the walkways of the future. The tribal universe of "Z"
's music and dance uses our respected artists in both primitive
and contemporary genres. Above all this music makes people think
and feel that the integration of diverse arts is possible, wholesome
and above all necessary.
Z was conceived as a ballet . It was a request
from Ballet da Cidade de São Paulo in order to celebrate
the 300th anniversary of Zumbi, the slave hero. The Ballet da
Cidade de São Paulo hired the Senegalese choreographer,
Germaine Acogny and they asked the creation of the music from
Gil. Rodolfo Stroter did the musical direction and the musical
production. After a few meetings with Germaine : a impressive
and tall Senegalese, full of energy and sensuality. She smoked
a pipe most of the time during the meeting.
We went to Rio to a single meeting with Gil. After this meeting,
myself and Gil immediately started working on the music and the
general idea started .We called Carlinhos Brown and he said that
he would do it. The studio sessions were intense as we only had
3 days for creating the music. Gil came out with a cassette tape
with some themes and we started to develop them as the choreography
required.
Musically, "Z" blends the primitive traditions of afro
brazilian music with some very contemporary sounds and ideas.
Gil is featured as the "primitive leader". Gilberto
Gil's improvised singing during all the tunes were impressive
and full of energy. Z is about miscegenous cultures. Rudolph
Stroeter.
Personnel
Gilberto Gil -Guitar and Voice
Rodolfo Stroeter-Acoustic and Electric Bases
Carlinhos Brown - Percussion and Voice
Lelo Nazario -Keyboards
Gustavo di Dalva -Percussion
Lucas Santana -Flute
Marlui Miranda - Voices
Producer Rodolfo Stroeter
