“Napoli-Rio: round world, flat ninths” is a musical trip from Napoli, in the south of Italy, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The journey will start with classical Neapolitan songs (famous examples of which are “‘O sole mio” and “Torna a Surriento”) arranged in latin jazz, and end with instrumental Brazilian popular music, including samba, bossa nova, and choro compositions. The collection of tunes played by Natu Trio will follow the common thread in the harmonic sonorities of these two traditional forms of music from, only apparently, distant worlds.
Gennaro Notomista is a roboticist and a musician from a small town in southern Italy, halfway between Napoli and the Amalfi coast. Classically trained, he has played in a number of small jazz ensembles (trios and quartets) as well as big bands, both in Italy and in Canada.
Greg Prior has been established in the Waterloo scene for over 16 years. He has been a regular performer with local groups such as The Phoenix Jazz Group, Big Band Theory, Ernie Kalwa, and played with many other local performers. Prior to moving to the region, Greg toured out west with artists such as Prairie Ceilidh (Celtic/Canadian), Barrage (Fiddle group), Vibre (Jazz Ensemble), and Vicky Oveson’s Masacote (Latin Jazz). He has played 9 major jazz festivals across Canada, and toured and recorded extensively. Comfortable with symphonic, jazz and Latin styles, Greg brings diverse talent to the stage.
Rico Oliveira is a musician from São Paulo, Brazil. He began his musical activities at an early age while in contact with many cultural influences in his local surroundings. He completed his education at the Conservatório de Música do Morumbi. He has been a professional musician for 43 years performing in festivals, shows, and nightclubs. He recorded with various musicians in Brazil, Portugal, Canada, and Europe.
Personnel:
- Gennaro Notomista (from Napoli, Italy), acoustic piano
- Greg Prior (from Calgary, Canada), acoustic and electric bass
- Rico Oliveira (from São Paulo, Brazil), drums and percussions
