Café do Choro is a Brisbane collective featuring compositions in the Brazilian Choro style by Brisbane multi-instrumentalist / composer Jenni Bell. 

 

Choro (pronounced Shorrow) arose in the late 1800s, initially as late night jam sessions in cafés and salons of Rio de Janeiro, becoming hugely popular throughout Brazil. Today Choro circles can be found worldwide and many composers continue to write Choros.

 

Choro is an eclectic mix of jazz, classical and folkloric styles. Its driving rhythmic foundation draws on the African influence that remains so strong in Brazilian culture. Melodies are often rapid, syncopated and complex, requiring virtuosity, but there are also slow songs that melt the heart. Harmonies are often sophisticated, adventurous and seductive. Influenced by (and influencing) other Brazilian genres such as Samba and Forró, most tunes are instrumental, though some have vocals. As in Jazz, improvisation is encouraged.

 

Main instruments: 

• Flute

• Seven string Guitar (Sete Chordas)

• Cavaquinho ( a miniature guitar with 4 strings) and

• Pandeiro (a tambourine-like instrument that mimics a drum-kit)

Clarinet, Bandolim (Brazilian mandolin), accordion (sanfona), trumpet, trombone, saxophone, piccolo, violin, piano and various percussion are also used.

 

Café do Choro has released two albums: 

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• Around the Town (2016)  CD & DigiDL Available @ cafedochoro.bandcamp.com

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• Trenzinho da Montanha (2020) 'Little Mountain Train' (2020) This album has a rural theme and takes you on a journey through a variety of scenes and moods. It also features a couple of Forrós (pronounced Foh-hoe) – a very popular Brazilian couple dance style originating in rural Northeastern Brazil.

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       CD, USB & DigiDL Available @ cafedochoro.bandcamp.com.

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