NT BUZZ
Over the last week or so, Jim Porto, the Rome-based Brazilian pianist and singer, has been playing his music to appreciative audiences in Goa. Accompanied by the Goan drumming legend Lester Godinho, Jim has already won over a fairly large fan following here. This Friday, on March 17, Jim will perform as a guest artist with Still Waters—which features Ashton Colaco on saxophone/flute; Anthony Fernandes on bass; Joe Dacosta on guitar; and Lester on drums/percussion—at The International Centre Goa (ICG) at 8 p.m.
Jim Jorge Gonçalves Porto was born on March 26, 1953 in Rio Grande, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande del Sul. By the age of 20, Jim was already recognised as a well-known talent on the stages of Rio de Janeiro for his lively signature sound that blends classical Samba and Bossanova. However, it was after relocating to Rome that Jim emerged as a bigger name.
In 1983, Jim recorded his breakthrough album Rio with jazz legend Chet Baker. This was followed by several other landmark albums in which he refined his sound while continuing to collaborate and play with some of the biggest names in Brazilian music: João Gilberto, Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Marisa Monte, Dejavan and the great Caetano Veloso. In Rome, Jim works routinely with Italian musicians as well, and performs regularly in Europe and South America. In 2006, he recorded a live album at the Blue Note Milan, an achievement that is reserved to a few artists only.
Interestingly, Jim has also been associated in a small way with the so-called “Latin invasion” or “Latin explosion” in the United States. He collaborated with Jennifer Lopez for two tracks on her breakthrough 1999 album On the 6; and on one track with Ricky Martin on his self-titled album released the same year.
Jim has promised to sing Brazilian songs in Portuguese for music fans in Goa. These may especially appeal to older music fans. Others can expect his ICG open air concert to be lively, energetic and even electrifying, with a fusion of jazz, Samba and Afro-funk with an international flavour. For music fans in Goa, this is a concert which cannot be missed.
(Jim Porto performs as a guest artist for Still Waters, on March 17 at 8 p.m. at The International Centre Goa, Dona Paula. Tickets are priced at Rs 500 with discounts for children, young adults and group bookings. Call 8308969300.)