A native of Rio De Janeiro, Neto was raised in New York and some might remember him as a member of Hermeto Pascoal's legendary band from 1977-92. I had the pleasure to catch up with Neto over the phone last week and he told me that Pascoal was the main influence that made him want to become a musician, producer and arranger. Since 1993, Neto's trio has consisted of Chuck Deardorf on bass, and Mark investor on drums, both of whom have masterful skills of their own.
Before they rip into their set at the Old Stone Church on Saturday night, Neto and his trio will give a Brazilian jazz workshop, allowing Bend musicians a chance to learn the at-times complicated style. And for those who just want to see some extra Neto jams, he's also giving a lecture and demonstration from 10 to noon (registration required) at the Cascade Community School of Music through its Musicians In Motion Series.
The Series began two years ago, said Dillon Schneider, a guitarist and former teacher at Cascade Community School of Music where he is now an administrator.
"The Musicians In Motion Series is not about concert promotions, but rather about education. This education helps students...interact with the community," Schneider said.
Schneider said that the musicians like Neto who participate in the series are also excellent educators.
Listening to Neto's tunes, I didn't hear many traditional Brazilian beats. When asked about the style, Neto told me that his music favors open overtones, much like traditional jazz. Raised in Rio and educated in Montreal, Neto was inspired by fusion jazz greats like Weather Report and Miles Davis. But he returned to his roots in Brazil following school, where spent a decade and a half with Pascoal's band and earned renown as a pianist, a flutist, and composer. More recently, he's received the Golden Ear Award, handed out to Seattle's best instrumental musician and been nominated for a 2004 Latin Grammy Award for best Latin Jazz Album. And just this year he released Roda Carioca, a record that earned him a second Latin Grammy nomination. And as if he were short on accolades, Neto also recently performed on Sergio Mendes's Grammy Award-winning world music album. Presently, he continues to perform worldwide and gives lectures and workshops on Brazilian music, while also finding time to collaborate with Hermeto Pascoal's big band on occasion.
With a decade passed since their last performance around these parts, Neto and his jazz trio are looking forward to coming back to Bend, and says he hopes it won't be another 10 years before they return.
10am-12pm Saturday, Feb. 16. Cascade Community School of Music. 2150 NW Studio Rd. Free.Call 382-6866 for required registration.
Jovino Santos Neto Trio
Lecture and Demonstration: 2pm Saturday, February 16. Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave. Free. Concert: 7pm Old Stone Church. $20, call 382-6866 for tickets.
