João Barradas and Ricardo Toscano are two of the most prominent names of the present Portuguese jazz.
The first, an accordionist, has developed his own approach to an unusual instrument in jazz and, as demonstrated by the two works he launched this year at Nischo, one of them an absolute solo recorded at CCB, made for deserving the broad applause of the critic. specialized.
The second, a tall saxophonist, has not only been distinguished in front of his quartet, earning effusive praise, but has also been called upon to collaborate in very different contexts, whether for solar in front of an orchestra in a concert with Sam The Kid, or for integrating, on stage with Camané, a tribute to Amália Rodrigues.
Together, Barradas and Toscano, will sign what will certainly be one of the most awaited meetings of the year under the designation DUPLEX: “I love playing with João“, admits Ricardo, “when we meet it is always a trip“. Barradas agrees: “We have known each other for many years. I saw him the first time at the CCB when he was about 15 years old, he was also a kid“. It was in an edition of the Lisbon Jazz Summer School and the occasion was a masterclass by Greg Osby, an American jazz giant who immediately recognized his immense talent in both.
On stage, in this special concert by MISTY FEST, both promise something special. The repertoire may go through original pieces that they both intend to write for the occasion, but the names to visit are also in agreement: “Cole Porter, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker …“, says Barradas. “An adaptation of a string quartet from Wynton Marsalis“, Ricardo Toscano thinks aloud. “We will certainly throw ourselves into some standards,” says the saxophonist, “which we want to transform, of course”.
An accordion (or two, which Barradas also uses the synthesizer accordion on stage) and an alto saxophone may suffice to create absolute magic. João Barradas and Ricardo Toscano, who are now much more than mere sorcerer’s apprentices, are the people to create this magic. This Duplex is a must, of course.
