Nation Beat featuring Cha Wa
Carnival Caravan (Nation Beat Music, 2015)
Carnival Caravan brings together two hybrid carnival traditions from the Americas, Brazilian maracatú and New Orleans Mardi Gras music. The 5 festive songs on the Carnival Caravan EP invite the listener to dance along with the Brazilian and American musicians, celebrating two of the most colorful carnivals in the world, carnival brasileiro and Mardi The two celebrations share parades, call and response techniques, abundant percussion, and a party atmosphere.
This Brazilian-New Orleans collaboration features transnational American-Brazilian band Nation Beat, led by Scott Kettner, who has spent the past years presenting the irresistible rhythms of Brazil, along with Mardi Gras Indian funk group Cha Wa.
“Our goal with Carnival Caravan is to expose our fans to the traditional music of these cultural celebrations,” explains Scott Kettner. “Most people aren’t aware of the Maracatu or Mardi Gras Indian traditions, and we want to bring this to our fans in the most interactive, enjoyable way – with our own particular twist of course.”
The lineup on Carnival Caravan includes Nation Beat musicians Scott Kettner (USA) on drums; Fabiana Masili (Brazil) on vocals; Mark Marshall (USA) on guitars; Chris Venditti (USA) on bass; and percussionist Fernando Saci (Brazil). Cha Wa members featured: Irving “Honey” Banister Jr. on vocals and tambourine; and Joe Gellini on drums and vocals.
Guests include Silvério Pessoa on vocals; Matt Perrine on tuba; Scott Frock on trumpet; Jason Mingledorf on saxophone; Wes Anderson on trombone; and Jorge Continentino on saxophone.
Purchase the Carnival Caravan digital version
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
