Dois Choros by Henrique Rocha

Before tropicália, before bossa nova, and even before samba, choro was Brazil’s first music to travel the world, its first musical innovation to gain plaudits, as well as criticism, from nationalists who despised its co-option of traits from jazz. Such is the life of those who break the mould. In the hands of Pixinguinha and co, what’s certain is that choro had an impact, and it’s continued to this day, albeit it’s often over-shadowed by the genres that have arrived since.

Henrique Rocha hails from Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais, where he played percussion during carnival and other events. A teacher, as well as musician and producer, he has since become part of a thriving choro scene in São Paulo, which is where the tracks that comprise Dois Choros (Two Choros) were recorded. Their idea was simple, to record choro the way it’s performed, with a tight group of musicians (tambourine, plucked strings and wind instruments) playing in a circle (a roda). This is where it’s at its most infectious, full of life, the musicians seeming to bounce off each other, the interplay completely in unison.

Composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer with a focus on Brazilian music.