The Sounds of VTech

When singer Carlos Dafe performed Pela Sombras with Arthur Verocai on stage for Timeless III, you were transported. Original singer, original arranger/composer, the energy, it was sheer magic. A timeless moment that transcends the 27 years since Verocai’s self titled debut album was released. You’re there, and in an instant and you realize, yes, this series is truly a celebration of music.

Here is a bit of musical history that was captured that night for you to enjoy. Arthur Verocai, saxophonist Justo Almario and singer Carlos Dafe performing Pela Sombras.

*Please be sure to check back as VTech and Mochilla  get ready for part II of the Timeless series later this summer. *

Since the start of the Timeless Series on February 1st, 2009, word has spread throughout the streets, over airwaves and the internet, and across oceans about the magic it has brought, not only to Los Angeles, but to music lovers worldwide. Timeless has given those fortunate to attend, the chance to bear witness to musical miracles and be engulfed by beautiful melodies. Music that truly stays with you forever.

On March 15th, 2009, Los Angeles was blessed with a very special gift. The opportunity to see Arthur Verocai perform his seminal 1972 album for the very first time with a 36-piece orchestra.

From the moment the maestro, Arthur Verocai, stepped out onto the stage at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex on Sunday night, the audience was mesmerized. Not only by the sight of this musical powerhouse gracing the L.A. stage for the very first time, but by his haunting, intensely beautiful and psychedelically soulful arrangements. 

From the musical Lea family (Chris: flute/piccolo, Tom: viola, Elizabeth: trombone) to trumpet player Todd Simon, from Suite For Ma Dukes arranger/composer Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (viola) to Justo Almario (alto sax, flute), there was no shortage of talent in Verocai’s orchestra that night. And with the added help of Verocai’s friends and some of the finest Brazilian musicians, Ivan “Mamao” Conti and Jose Roberto Bertrami from Azymuth, percussionist Airto Moreira,  and Aloisio Aguiar (original piano player on Verocai’s debut album), the music was undoubtedly superb. 

Vocals provided by Carlos Dafé (original singer on Verocai’s debut album) and Clarisse Grova (original singer on Verocai’s second album) brought an authenticity to Verocai’s music that was reminiscent to listening to his record for the very first time. And when Verocai took the microphone to perform Caboclo, the audience held its breath. 

There is something special to be said about seeing a live musical performance. The nuances of the singers as they change octaves and harmonize, the synchronization of the string section as each shift in the head and sway of the body is timed perfectly, the love and emotion beaming from the musicians faces as they perform, and the joy and humble gratitude shown by a legend to an audience who appreciates his work. 

To be in the presence of such a man, on such an evening, unequivocally a gift to treasure for a lifetime.

VTech and Mochilla have brought a breathe of fresh air to Los Angeles.

-Let’s keep on breathing- 

Photos by Azul 213*

Though some may say the Ides of March evokes a dark mood, VTech and Mochilla couldn’t disagree more (Sorry Julius Caesar).  It’s time to rejoice and cheer, Verocai is here!

 Arthur Verocai with a 36 piece orchestra will be performing live in Los Angeles for the very first time, and you won’t want to miss it.  

For hip hop fans and music lovers alike, come experience Arthur Verocai’s self-titled 1972 debut album in its entirety.

How can you resist this? Opening DJ sets with  Madlib and DJ Nuts. A 36 piece orchestra featuring Brasilian heavy hitters Ivan “Mamao” Conti and Jose Roberto Bertrami from Azymuth, Carlos Dafé (the originally singer on Verocai’s album), Airto Moreira, and more!! 

TONIGHT! TONIGHT! TONIGHT! TONIGHT!

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

7-11pm / All Ages /  $32.50 

The Luckman Box Office +1 323 343 6600
(Please keep in mind that these are assigned seating events - in order to sit together you MUST purchase your tickets together - to view seating chart please go http://luckmanarts.org/seatingchart.php)
*Early arrival is STRONGLY suggested*

Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex
Cal State University Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive. Los Angeles. 90032

Day 1 of rehearsals for Timeless III with Arthur Verocai, was filled with friendly hellos, warm embraces, and old friends catching up.

At 12:30 pm, a white van dropped off the silent giant at the backdoor of the Luckman Fine Arts Complex. Arthur Verocai had landed. One by one, musicians and singers exited the vehicle and instantly the energy level elevated. 

Singer Carlos Dafé  kissed young ladies’ hands as he suavely introduced himself, drummer Ivan “Mamao” Conti sported a rich brown complexion from his recent beach visits, Debora Pill (translator and long time friend of Mochilla) flew in from Barcelona specifically for this show before she heads back home to Sao Paulo, and composer/ arranger Arthur Verocai, towered over all this, and silently took out his camera. He needed photos. 

As the orchestra (originally 30 members, now 36) chatted on stage while tuning their instruments, the moment Verocai stood at the podium, they waited with bated breath for their maestro’s instructions. 

Verocai’s music is beauty personified. From sweeping strings, to the soulful twang of the electric guitar, and the blaring horns, it was truly breathtaking.

For five hours his music rang through the complex, with every head nodding in approval and toes tapping to the beat. 

Break Time

Todd Simon

Airto's music stand

Old Friends: Ivan "Mamao" Conti and B+

Verocai, Aguiar and Bertrami around the piano

Behind the scenes:

Jose Roberto Bertrami and Aloisio Aguiar acting out funny stories to each other in Portuguese.

Ivan “Mamao” Conti and Airto Moreira reiminesce about how long they’ve known each other.

Mamao- “It must be 30-35 years?”

Airto- “Everything for us now is 30 or 35 years!!”

Mamao embraces Airto- ”He (Airto) is like the godfather for Azymuth.”

Percussionist Andres Renteria admiring Airto Moreira’s treasure trove of percussion instruments.

While tapping on Airto’s wooden blocks, he notices a gong and turns it over. ”Hey this one is mine!” laughs Andres.

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (composer and arranger for Timeless II: Suite For Ma Dukes) talks about Arthur Verocai:

Q: How you do you feel about having Arthur Verocai in LA?

M A-F: “I’m ecstatic, overjoyed. I feel very lucky, don’t want it to end.”

Q: How long have you known about Verocai’s work?

M A-F: “Two months!”

A quote from Brasil to her old friend:

“I’ve known Arthur Verocai for many years. He was a longtime friend from my old neighborhood at Posto Seis, a lovely spot in Copacabana. I was happy to see how much he grew as a musician, arranger and composer, unfortunately still underrated for most audiences. Hope this will change now.”  -Joyce, singerBrasilian Singer Joyce (photo by Lizzie Bravo)

** Rehearsal photos by Joy Yoon

Photos by Joy Yoon