Brazilian Bossa Nova Guitar Workshop

Developed in the late 50s and early 60s in the beach-side neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro, bossa nova merged the rhythmic structure of Brazilian samba, applying the tamborim and surdo percussion rhythms to the nylon-stringed acoustic guitar, with a sophisticated harmonic and melodic sensibility drawing from popular song, North American jazz, and other sources. Often performed acoustically, bossa nova musicians also developed an almost whispered vocal style. The style became internationally popular with the 1963 release of Getz/Gilberto, a seminal bossa nova album featuring jazz saxophonist Stan Getz, vocalist Astrud Gilberto, and two of the creators of the style, guitarist/vocalist João Gilberto and pianist/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim.

This workshop focuses on the acoustic nylon-stringed finger-picked guitar in the style of João Gilberto. Instructor Carlos Oliveira demonstrates a range of chord voicings, rhythmic accompaniment styles, songs, lyrics and additional theory and techniques. Reference CDs are provided. Prerequisites: intermediate playing ability, some knowledge of notes on the fretboard, facility moving from chord to chord.

2 – 4 pm

Carlos Oliveira $30 advance purchase/$45 day of the workshop

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