LaFrae Sci, Eli Yamin and Belem Blues Crew
Belem is a music town! There are multiple symphonic orchestras and a jazz orchestra here. We did 2 concerts and a workshop. We got an up close introduction to the mystical world of Carimbo and visited old churches, a fort, an open air market and had killer seafood. Seems like everywhere we go, the Fishin’ Blues makes a whole lot of sense. Like the song says, “Many fish bite if you got good bait…
Fishing Boats in Belem, Brazil
Shrimp in market, Belem, Brazil
Belem is where the Amazon River begins…
LaFrae Sci and Eli Yamin at the mouth of the Amazon
A cultural producer Nery and his wife Rita introduced me to many artistic treasures of Belem including a historical theatre, one of the city’s symphonic orchestras and it’s director, Leonardo, who is one hell of a piano player and composer. We had a good time jammin’ in the Salo dos Pianos…
Producer Fercy Nery and Rita, anthropologist
Orchestra of Belem rehearsing
Leonardo and Eli Yamin
Leonardo and Eli Yamin at the keyboard in Salo dos Pianos
When it came time for the workshop, we couldn’t wait to meet the musicians who would turn up. We heard the town of Belem has a 40-piece jazz orchestra. For sure, it was a room full of serious musicians ready to play! There were also great enthusiasts from many backgrounds including actors, writers, singers, dancers and children. Kate McGarry got everyone singing the blues!
Once everyone got that blues feeling, Bob Stewart got them playing the harmony of the blues. Armed with the hands-on lesson from LaFrae on the shuffle and feeling the doo-dle-laa, everyone got a chance to solo. Thanks to Jazz at Lincoln Center for providing all the kazoos!
Kazoo solos all around
Kazoos keep coming
Kazoos are you!
We heard from all the jazz cats too!
Belem Jazz Cats at Eli Yamin Blues Band Workshop, Belem, Brazil
Then Olivia and her crew gave us a taste of Carimbo, a traditional form of music/dance from the Belem region. In the evening, she was in full dress…
Eli Yamin and Olivia
Carimbo warmup at Eli Yamin Blues Band Workshop
Olivia and her Carimbo ensemble
It was a magnificent time for all of us and we will forever hold Belem, Brazil close to our hearts. Thanks to Danielle and all our friends at CCBEU for organizing the events. Welcome Conradu Blasi from the Embassy in Brasilia and Monak from Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. We are so happy to have you with us and feel your great support!
Thanks to all the great musicians and artists who came out to the workshop and concerts. We had a blast playing for you and with you and know we will be together again soon. Keep swinging and singing the blues!
Monak Chhun and Conradu Blasi join the tour.
LaFrae Sci and young listeners
Bob Stewart and Belem jazz cats
Eli Yamin and Belem saxophonist Adriel
Visual assessment on The Eli Yamin Blues Band, "how I felt before and after the concert"
Eli Yamin gives saxophonist Netu some things to listen to...
Hi Eli and band, It was a pleasure to host you here in Belem. The feeling was so inspiring and I could see how beautiful jazz and blues are.
Hope our beauty and Amazon culture have remained in your minds as well as Jazz and blues are in mine.
Thank you so much for comming. We enjoyed your stay here!!
Paula.