About

Just when you think that Bossa Nova has covered it all or that it has become stale, someone comes along to shake things up with a delectable and irresistible Bossa Nova album. Saudade Demais fits the bill brilliantly!

Arthur Verocai (Rio de Janeiro, 1945) lived Bossa Nova at its prime. He studied guitar with Léo Soares, Darci Villaverde, Nair Barbosa da Silva and Roberto Menescal. He also took piano lessons with Vilma Graça before embarking on his musical journey. He is a prolific composer that has been writing gorgeous melodies since the 1960s. He took part in several music festivals in Brazil, including the 1968 International Song Festival — with “Saudade Demais,” included here — and again in the 1969 International Song Festival, among others. He has performed, arranged and produced for a number of Brazilian stars before starting his solo career. Among the artists he has worked with, we find Marlene, Elizeth Cardoso, Ivan Lins and Gal Costa just to name a few.

Saudade Demais is an open declaration of love for Rio de Janeiro and Bossa Nova. The lyrics in most of these songs paint a musical scene of that marvelous city. With that inspiration, nothing goes wrong. The guest musicians in the album augment Verocai’s amazing guitar playing and exceptional songwriting skills. Here we find Raul de Souza (trombone), Marcio Montarroyos (trumpet), Toninho Horta (acoustic guitar), Robertinho Silva (drums), Cristovão Bastos (piano), Luiz Alves (bass) and the wonderful voice of Sanny AlvesSanny Alves singing the fascinating lyrics in the album. – Musica Brasileira