Nana Vasconcelos - R.I.P.

[Captain Bacardi]

Percussionist Nana Vasconcelos died last night at the age of 71 from lung cancer. He was a renowned artist by himself, as well as an important part of the Pat Metheny Group in the 80's.

Brazilian Percussionist Nana Vasconcelos Dies at Age 71 »

 

[Rudy]

That Metheny/Mays Wichita Falls album is a desert island disc for me. Vasconcelos' work on that album was interesting in how it was integrated with the rest of the music. I heard Pat say, too, that he really had to coax Vasconcelos to vocalize on that recording.

 

[jazzdre]

Oh man!! Nana Vasconcelos passed away! You're right Captain and Rudy; he really defined the sound of the Pat Metheny Group in the early 80s. Who could forget his wonderful vocals for "It's For You", "Estupenda Graca", the incredibly beautifully heartbreaking ballad "Goodbye";also on "As Falls Witchita..., and in my opinion, The Pat Metheny Group's magnum opus, "Are You Going With Me"?

I knew that he was a leading figure in Brazilian music, but I didn't know that he played with the great Milton Nascimento!

Rest In Peace, my friend, know that with your contributions to music, that you made others happy. Thank you very much.

Your friend,
jazzdre

 

[Rudy]

On of my favorites on the album:



(Nana on vocalizations and percussion...)