I
spent two weeks down in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during
the months of January 1999, and January 2000. What
fun! The response from the Brazilians was so wonderful.
They are very warm people. There were constantly
trying to please us in every way possible. A big
thank you to my friends at the Bourbon Street Music
Club for getting us what we needed. The venue is
a well-established club for jazz and blues. It felt
good knowing that Ron Carter (jazz bassist) and
B.B. King has most recently performed at Bourbon
Street. Herbert, our producer, was able to bring
together, between national television and several
newspapers, great crowds and people very interested
to see us perform. Before my arrival, few knew me.
However, within two weeks, several in Brazil were
as happy they came, as I was happy to be there.
Congratulations
Herbie! Herbie took us out one night for some famous
Brazilian BBQ. Quite different than ours in the
United States. Nonetheless, very good! My favorite
was the fejoada. It is black beans and rice.Sounds
bland, but believe me, it was delicious!!!
The
fruit was the best I have ever tasted. The best
way to describe it is "vibrant"/ Another of my favorites
was the sugar can liquor, Cashaca. Like Tequila,
very tasty with the traditional lime and sugar.
OK,
enough food talk! As described to me by Breakaway
Records, Hilary Lancaster, Portugese (the language
of Brazil) is a cross between Italian and Spanish,
spoken by a person from France. This was true. Much
to my surprise, I picked up the language quickly.
I enjoy it and believe I will continue to learn
it. Which means my Italian will probably get worse
than it is already!! Very confusing when mixed together.
A couple of friends/listeners from San Antonio,
Laura and Linda, joined us on their vacation. It
was great to have some friends in the audience;
however, I believe I've made many new friends from
our experience.
Thanks
to everyone who made it happen!
