Artist:Djavan
Song:Cigano
Album:Puzzle of Hearts
Brazilian singer songwriter Djavan takes the traditional elements of Brazilian music and mixes them with jazz. This has made him very successful in Brazil and internationally since the 80s. He was born Djavan Caetano Viana Jan. 27, 1949 in Macelo, Alagoas, Brazil. His father was Dutch and his mother was black. He started out in music as a teen in a local cover band. After moving to Rio de Janeiro in 1973, Djavan was hired to sing on soap opera soundtracks. He also sang in clubs to supplement his income. His big break came when he finished second in a TV talent contest. And this was followed by a 1976 album and then a record deal with EMI. After two albums, Djavan signed with Columbia and they brought him to the US to record the 1982 album Luz. The album was produced by jazz organist Ronnie Foster and he played on the album along with guys like Hubert Laws on flute, Ernie Watts on sax, Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar, Jerry Hey on trumpet, Bill Reichenbach on trombone, Abraham Laboriel on bass and Harvey Mason on drums. Stevie Wonder made a guest appearance and he brought Quincy Jones in to help Djavan publish his songs so they could be covered by others. Djavan continued to record with US musicians until he returned to Brazil for the 1989 album Djavan. That and the 1990 album Puzzle of Hearts were produced by veteran Brazilian producer Mazzolla. He has worked with Jorge Ben among others. Djavan kept that jazz feel to his music. He's in demand all over the world. Djavan's latest album D was released in 2022 and he continues to tour worldwide. Fans of Brazilian music should check him out. Here's Djavan performing Cigano at the 1997 Montreux Jazz Festival.
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