The Assad Experience

Last night’s Brazilian ensemble quintessentially dazzled and illuminated the audience on what it truly means to be in the Amazonian atmosphere.

The Assad brothers, Sergio and Odair, along with sister Badi truly displayed a showcase of rhythmic talent and authenticity of their natural Brazilian style. Guests included Romero Lubamdo a globally-acclaimed guitarist and Celso Machado a proclaimed virtuoso of the guitar and percussion instruments.

The show was performed at Chico state’s Laxson Hall and was a benefit fundraiser for radio stations KCHO Chico and KFPR Redding.

The overall mixture of strings and percussionist beats was riveting but the climax of the performance came from vocalist Badi Assad and Celso Machado. During a duet piece that was labeled on the program as “improvisation” between the two of them, they began to replicate the sounds of the Amazonian jungle including Macaw calls and Spider monkey squeaks. The approach was somewhat unusual and created a bit of humor amongst the crowd but the hall was silenced when the two musicians began making rumbling tones to mark the coming of a rainstorm. Some audience interaction was required from that point by clicking their tongues and then stomping their feet to imitate the pitter-patter of the first raindrops followed by the rumbling tone of the dark clouds overhead, the end result was a roaring thunder storm.

That immersive experience that probably few of us have witnessed was promptly met with applause by the crowd.

The animal calls might have been too much on the quirky side for my taste but the transition into the storm was quite an experience and something I feel is no easy feat for any musician.

Celso Machado’s amazing display of dynamic ability was displayed when he masterfully switched between his conventional guitar to what seemed to be a Brazilian Apito and an Ago-go. He also charmed the crowd with his comic humor while beat-boxing and seemingly trying to kill a fly at the same time.

Guitarist Romero Lubambo also displayed some impressive pieces during the collaboration. His virtuoso technique which he is renowned for was apparent during his presentations of “Pr’o Flavio” and “Infuencia do Jazz”.

Overall the performance was intriguing, Brazilian style has always has an exotic appeal to me and the music is full of that appeal. It has a soothing approach yet instills a rhythm to every step. It makes me wonder if music is this refreshing and graceful then it’s no wonder their soccer teams always appear to be dancing their way to victory.