“We are equal!”: Jorge Ben Jor brought admirable energy and toasted Portugal with his samba rock – Showbiz
In the late afternoon of last Saturday, Marechal Gomes Gomes Park, the very pleasant Francisco Trio or his jazz to please people, please the joy of an exquisite musical atmosphere. This one already set the tone for the quality of the poster and what would later be appreciated at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo.
The opening of the last night, on the main stage of EDP Cool Jazz 2022, was in charge of the magnificent Jessica Pina. The musician, owner of an incredible vocal range, interacted a lot with the audience by showing enormous sympathy.
In addition to astonishing us all with her powerful singing, Pina played her imposing trumpet with her usual dexterity. Totally at ease, it didn’t even feel like it was his first time solo in that space.
The EP ‘Vento Novo’ is his latest studio record and was encouraged by Madonna, with whom he toured “Madame X” as a trumpeter.
Soon after, it was Jorge Ben Jor’s turn to greet his Portuguese admirers again, after three years. The last performance on Portuguese soil had been at NOS Primavera Sound, in Porto, even before the pandemic.
The band’s drummer holding a flag that founded that of Portugal with Brazil… And master Jorge even said: “we are equal!”
Ben Jor is the guru of his rock music, precursor of samba rock, which combined traditional Brazilian music with jazz, traditional funk and even ska, present in the guitar bases.
This rhythm is quite youthful and, most likely, it is also what gives the musician at the height of his 83 years of age. His energy throughout the concert was admirable.
Another interesting aspect to note is his characteristic voice, which has changed over the years (over 60, just as a career) and has become a little deeper. When he sings a chorus harder, he gains a hoarseness that has his charm.
The well-known, of course, did not leave the most popular themes like ‘Jorge da Capadocia’, ‘Tropical Country’, ‘W/Brasil (o Síndico), ‘África Brasil (Zumbi)’, ‘Zazueira’, ‘Quero Toda Noite’, ‘Salve Simpatia’ and ‘Mas Que Nada’.
There was also a tribute to his legendary friend Tim Maia in ‘Do Leme Ao Pontal several’, as well as an invitation to women in the front row of the audience to take the stage and dance to the sound of ‘Gostosa’.
The end of the splendorous night came to the sound of ‘Take It Easy My Brother’. Jorge Ben Jor then shouted: “You were wonderful! See you next year, God willing!” Then he wiped his sweat, knelt down, thanked him and threw the towels to the audience.
With all this vitality in mind, you can count on more concerts…
Save Jorge!