This is the CD that we will be featuring this weekend (hopefully) in my iRadio webcast. I purchased it personally from the popular CD store in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. It was very, very close to the pub/restaurant (formerly known as Valhala) where the late maestros Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes composed the bossa nova standard “Girl from Ipanema.”
The store is called “Toca de Vinicius“—not because Vinicius de Moraes started or opened it but because it was located on the street named after Vinicius—Rua de Vinicius de Moraes. Literally, it meant “Place of Vinicius.”
Ze Renato is a prolific performer who first attracted my attention when I saw him perform in one of the numerous shows that paid homage to Tom Jobim.
His voice seemed to yearn for the better days that had passed—like a reminder of the times when people seemed to be simpler, more humble, and more gentle.
It is interesting to note that former Pat Metheny Group percussionist Armando Marcal was also the lead percussionist on all tracks. Ze Keti composed most of the songs, and the CD was dedicated to Nara Leao.