By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Friday, June 29th will see Brazilian singer-songwriter João Bosco take the stage of the Vivo Rio Arena to launch his new album ‘Mano Que Zuera,’ almost a decade since his last album, 2009’s ‘Não Vou Pro Céu, Mas Já Não Vivo No Chão’ (I’m Not Going to Heaven, But I Do Not Live on the Floor Anymore).
In 2012 Bosco launched the project ‘João Bosco – 40 anos depois’ (João Bosco – 40 years later) bringing together hits from his repertoire and featuring guests such as Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento and João Donato.
His songs first became famous when they were recorded by one of Brazil’s greatest singers, Elis Regina. However, he also quickly became well-known for his energetic performances and noted singing style, as well as his ambitious compositions, influenced by jazz, Arabian music, as well as the more traditional Brazilian genres such as bossa nova and samba.
He recently revealed why it was time to release the previously unreleased album ‘Mano Que Zuera.’ “After the project of 2012, now comes the previously unpublished record, ‘Mano Que Zuera,’ but I have not been there for eight years without composing.”
Continuing, he said, “I am an author who has been working on the novel, but also looking for other possibilities, other colors that the songs can give. They are powerful songs by great Brazilian authors that I consider a clean source where you drink, quench your thirst, and never dry.”
Now in his seventies, Bosco recently received the ‘Excellence in Work Award,’ at the 2017 Latin Grammy awards. This should be a great night out for anyone who enjoyed recent concerts by MPB legends such as Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé or Jorge Ben Jor.
What: João Bosco
When: Friday, June 29th; doors open at 8PM
Where: Vivo Rio Arena, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85
Parque do Flamengo.
Entrance: Tickets from R$80; available here