2nd Annual Brasilfest: The Billy Newman Sextet

Even if I didn't know Billy Newman -- either as his student, his friend, or a fan -- I'd want to know just how he does it.  The sheer audacity of taking on the logistical problems posed by a live combination of a nylon-string guitar -- a C instrument, and inherently one of the quietest instruments around -- with a loud section of horns tuned in E-flat and B-flat, would be enough, just by itself, to warrant my curiosity.  It's an ambitious venture, and not a combination I often see live.  As for recordings of Brazilian music, my only frame of reference is Charlie Byrd's "Brazilian Byrd" records from the 1960s. 

But the Billy Newman Sextet pulls it off, and beautifully too.  The new CD, released last year, features all original compositions arranged for guitar, bass, and horns.  There's a lot of riffing on the contrast between the warm nylon-string guitar sound and the bright, crisp saxophone-trumpet combination.  And the range of moods is striking:  "Ana Requiem" -- a tune he wrote for his late friend Ana Fonteles -- is meditative and sad, while "The 'I' Woman Love" is rhythmically complex and playful.  "Intervallic Choro" and "Groove Choro" are cool compositions in the choro form.

Billy Newman is conversant with many Brazilian genres (Choro, Samba, Valsa, Baiao), and has been playing Brazilian music for over 10 years.  His music looks at the relationship between Brazilian instrumental music and American jazz.  He's written a book on Brazilian music, and he actively teaches and performs in the New York area. His sextet will be at the Cornelia Street Cafe on Thursday, August 16 at 8:30 at 10:00.  Reservations are recommended by calling 212-989-9319.