Album Notes

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"The first time I got off the plane in Brazil back in 1992, I felt like I was home. The Brazilians are fantastic people that have always treated me like one of their own. They are a musical people by culture and the musicians are... well you'll hear for yourself." Todd Murphy, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Feel Free to listen to the samples of each track.

1. Novo Brasileiro - Composed and Arranged by Todd Murphy

2.Bamboula - Composed by Carlos Gomes; Arranged by Todd Murphy

3. O Bôto - Composed and arranged by Hudson Nogueira

4. Lembranças do Haiti - Composed and arranged by Todd Murphy

5. Johnny Conga - Composed and arranged by Todd Murphy

6. Jacorama - Composed and arranged by Todd Murphy

7. Palatka Blues - Composed and arranged by Todd Murphy

8. Self Portrait in Three Colors - Composed by Charles Mingus; arranged by Todd Murphy

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Todd currently conducts the Banda Jazz Sinfônica de Diadema which is a wonderful group of fine musicians from São Paulo. As a side man, Todd has played with many successful artists from Brazilian Popular Music such as Ivan Lins, Rita Lee, Titãs, Fala Mansa and Elba Ramalho. He has also arranged tunes for Leila Pinheiro, Salford Brass Band, Fred Mills (formerly Canadian Brass), the Sao Paulo State Youth Symphonic Band, the Symphonic Band of the Tatui Conservatory of Music and the Jazz Sinfônica of the State of São Paulo. He is a featured composer/arranger for Soundscape Big Band Jazz (www.soundscape.com.br)and Banda Jazzco (www.jazzco.com.br.

Well known in Brazil as an Arranger/Composer, Todd's studies include 5 years at the University of Miami where he held the bass trombone chair in the award winning Concert Jazz Band led by Whit Sydner. While at U of M, he received a Masters Degree in Bass Trombone. His Miami years included participation and collaboration with the Haitian guitar virtuoso "Dadou Pasquet" of Magnum Band.

Bandazul plays a variety of styles ranging from Bossa Nova, Samba, Maracatu, Compa, Salsa, Blues and Jazz. The CD features some of the best improvisors from Brazil and a fantastic rhythm section. Also included on the disc are compositions from Charles Mingus (Self Portrait in 3 Colors), Carlos Gomes (Bamboula) and from the talented young Brazilian composer Hudson Nogueira (O Bôto).

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Enjoy!