off the cliff to brazil

A little bit of this, a little bit of that, some of this other thing, maybe a pinch of the stuff here... what a fabulous assortment! Just looking at the surface, there is no way to know the diversity within!
I completely understand why folks who had heard Clarice Assad last night were back for their second helping at this noon30 concert. Titled "The World of Clarice Assad, featuring Off The CLiff and Mike Marshall", it truly was a brilliant introduction to the many facets of her vocal talent.
First, a little Brazilian-infused skat, titled "Ad Lib", with her accompanying herself on piano. Such bright, ascending trills! She assurend us every note was written down.
(smile)
Then some salsa-style hip swayers with her "ancient-to-future" musicians. Known as Off The Cliff, it's a two-man world creator, with drummer/percussionist Keita Ogawa, and with João Luiz Rezende on anything with strings (guitar, bass, cavaquinho and banjo). (That bassist was rocking an impressive blond man-bun atop his dark hair - cool!) Don't let that term "percussionist" simplify Keita's range! The man had three different pandeiros, a full drum kit, various noisemakers and rattles, a birdsong device, and - this is coolness itself! - wore a jangly bellydancer's anklet for additional sound. Loved it!
Mike Marshall, with his mandolin, guested on two or three songs, changing up the onstage performers into yet another configuration. Truly, the one thing that was constant was change! Sometimes, only she would be present, or she and Keita, or she and Off The Cliff, or all of them plus a guitarist.
The folks up there playing weren't the only changes, either! Like I said earlier, sometimes we had Brazilian skat, then salsa, then came some bossanova jazz! That was exemplified with the song, "The Girl From Ipanema", done with heart and soul!
There was even a French bistro number, "Lua de Paris", featuring her voice switching back and forth from vocals to trumpet sound. Very nice!
Opera? Did you ask about opera? Well, you should have! It was there, too!!! "Yo Soy Maria" was sung by Clarice with clear, beautiful quality... que magnifique!
Then, one last song about a girl named Maria, just with the boys in her band. "Maria Maria" was a lively - and lovely - final showcase of their talents.
I just may have to track them down for another listen. I hope they will return to the Savannah Music Festival next year!