SERGIO PEREIRA

COLORS OF TIME

Sergio Pereira Music

Guitarist, vocalist and percussionist, Sergio Pereira brings an album that blends Brazilian tradition with an international jazz perspective.  He was born in Rio de Janeiro and relocated to New York in the 1980s. There, he expanded his harmonic approach to music.

His concerts travelled from the United States to Europe and Africa, collaborating with a host of artists including Kim Nazarian, Mark Egan, Helio Alves, Romero Lubambo, Ivan ‘Melon’ Lewis and Mauricio Zottarelli.  Pereira is an accomplished composer, whose musical talents are reflected in the multiple Global Music Awards and World Entertainment Awards he has won.

His original music and arrangements embrace samba, bossa nova and jazz.  He has written all eight songs on this album with a collaboration on “Dreams” featuring the lyrics of Monika Ryan.  This tune introduces a vocal by Sergio, and is also complimented by Kim Nazarian of the New York Voices group. The duet is supported by Marcelo Martins on soprano saxophone and Alberto Palau’s rhythmic piano. I enjoyed the duo crooning a repeated melodic ‘hook’ that is wordless and catchy.

This tune is arranged at a moderate tempo, unlike the joyful opening song called “So They Sleep.” The rhythms and excitement sound nothing at all like slumber. The tune is pushed forward by the rhythmic electric bass groove of Ariel Ramirez.  All the while the smooth, chant of Sergio Pereira’s voice creates his own musical melody without words. The trumpet of Chipi Chacón makes a meaningful solo appearance, followed by Oriente Lopez on flute

A composition called “Up the Hill” is built on a Xote rhythm.  Sergio Pereira employs flute choirs and guest strings that support his warm vocals. This song explains the album’s narrative of lifting the consciousness and spirit with music used to elevate above the daily struggle.  All the compositions and arrangements of this album are aimed at contributing hope and balance to a society that continues to search for emotional recalibration.  This music made me feel peaceful and relaxed.

SERGIO PEREIRA BAND: Sergio Pereira, electric & acoustic guitars/percussion; Mark Egan & Ariel Ramirez, electric bass; Ales Cesarini & Abel Sanabria, acoustic bass; Mauricio Zottarelli, drums/percussions; Dan Pugach, drums; Carlos Lledo, percussions; Luis Guerra, piano/keyboards; Alberto Palau, piano; Oriente Lopez, flutes/piano/keyboards; Kim Nazarian, lead vocals; Marcelo Martins, soprano saxophone; Juanito Ruiz, clarinet; Rafael Rocha, trombone; Felipe Lamoglia, alto sax; Chipi Chacón, trumpet; Rafinha Barros, cavaquinho #1; Sebastian Valverde, marimbas/vibraphone; STRINGS: Yeisy Rojas & Frederika Krier, violins; Zachary Brown, cello; VOCALS: Camilla Pereira, Ariel Ramirez, Monika Ryan & Cristina Banegas.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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