By Anna Kaiser, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – “Blues na Laje” has made its debut at Barzin in Ipanema, and may be the best blues night in Rio happening every Tuesday, and features the Cecelo Frony trio plus a weekly guest who plays with the band. Starting in late May, Barzin began to host the weekly show, and two months later, it has become a success that nearly fills the house.
Previously, Tuesday was a night of soul music at Barzin, but after some time, the venue began to brainstorm new ideas.
“One of the owners had an old dream of having a blues night that caters to blues and rock and all their junctions… Once soul night stopped, he thought isn’t it time we have blues night,” explained Tulio Mosci, the artistic director and producer.
Mosci called upon Cecelo Frony – a professional musician from Ipanema. Frony organized a trio called the Cecelo Frony Trio.
“I’ve been a professional musician since I was eighteen. I’ve played with various Brazilian artists and been around the world playing music. I play guitar, steel guitar, Nylon, cavaquinho and piano. I play lots of different styles of music but my night is the blues,” Frony told The Rio Times about his musical career.
Blues na Laje seeks to offer an eclectic blues night, changing every week based on the selected guest artist. For example some artists place a heavier influence on rock and roll and others focus on more traditional forms of blues. Frony says his style is most influenced by Muddy Waters, Albert King, Elmore James, Willie Dixon, and JJ Cale.
Two weeks ago, Blues na Laje’s featured artist was Eriberto Leão, a singer who specializes in music by The Doors. Last week, August 6th, the featured artist will be Arnaldo Brandão, a famous singer, bassist, guitarist and composer, previously in the Brazilian rock band, A Bolha.
“We planned this night for people who really appreciate good, live music – for people who come because of the high quality of the band,” said Mosci.
“Blues na Laje is a beautiful night with interesting people, interesting music and ‘gente bonita’ [beautiful people],” said Frony.
The show starts at 10PM with a one hour rock music DJ set from Christian Lobo. Entrance is R$20 before 11PM and R$30 any time after. Drink specials are two for one beers until 11PM and two for one bottles of Johnny Walker Red Label for R$180.
The band goes on at 11PM and plays until around 2AM and attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. The upstairs “laje” of Barzin is an intimate venue in Ipanema with an open floor and wrap around balcony.
“Our goal is to make the event stronger every time… The crowd is always growing and we’re really glad to see that we have people here in Rio who come every Tuesday to hear really good blues music,” explained Mosci.
“Whoever comes, always returns,” said Frony, “it’s a good program that’s close to everyone.”
Who: Blues na Laje and the Cecelo Frony Trio
Where: Barzin, Rua Vinícius de Moraes 75, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
When: Every Tuesday, 10PM – 2AM
Entrance: R$20 before 11PM, R$30 after