Having worked together on various recordings over the past couple of years, Bacelar and Morelenbaum decided to combine their creative forces in a truly special way: they spent a week in Aracati, a cliffside enclave on Brazil’s Northeast coast, where they composed new music together. The result is Aracati, an album that fuses Brazilian rhythms with jazz and classical elements, featuring nine instrumentals and one vocal track.
Immersed in Nature: The Creation of Aracati
During their time in Aracati, Bacelar and Morelenbaum played and composed music surrounded by the breathtaking landscape of dunes and sea. Bacelar set up a small studio in their rented house, where they spent hours creating melodies inspired by their environment.
"I brought the electric piano, Jaques brought the cello, and we just immersed ourselves in the beauty of Aracati," Bacelar recalls. "We spent the week surrounded by nature, talking, playing, and composing. It was pure inspiration."
Their time together yielded several tracks for the album, including the first single, "Fogueira", which is available now along with a video that captures the essence of their collaboration (watch it here: Fogueira Video).
The album features Bacelar on acoustic piano, keyboards, vocals, accordion, Hammond organ, and percussion, with Morelenbaum contributing on cello, acoustic piano, and keyboards. Together, with percussionist Hoto Júnior and drummer Luiz Orssano, they created lush rhythms and melodies that reflect the joy and tranquility of their surroundings.
Featured Tracks on Aracati
"Correios": A classic from Morelenbaum's repertoire, this piece was originally featured in the Academy Award-nominated film Central Station (1999) and serves as the perfect opener for the album.
"Fogueira": Inspired by a bonfire on the beach in Aracati, this spirited track celebrates the influence of iconic Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti.
"Quando a Noite Vem": A sultry bolero written by Bacelar and Giuliano Eriston, featuring Bacelar's vocals and Morelenbaum’s emotive cello.
"Fi_Ru_Hay_Kay": Morelenbaum wrote this piece after imagining a bird named Firu. The composition reflects the bird’s tentative exploration, capturing the sounds of nature.
"Caminhos de Areia": Bacelar’s second single from the album, released on December 13, tells the story of a cowboy’s spiritual journey. Watch the video here: Caminhos de Areia Video.
"Milagres": Inspired by an unlikely adventure, when Morelenbaum’s belongings were swept out to sea but miraculously retrieved by a local fisherman.
"Sargaço": A sprawling, seaweed-inspired tale that sweeps through the lush tropical region.
"Voo da Graúna": A tribute to the native graúna birds of Aracati, with Bacelar and Morelenbaum capturing the flight of these birds in music.
"Falésias": A stunning, melancholic composition inspired by the sand formations shaped by wind, rain, and the sea.
"Ar Livre": Morelenbaum’s reflective closing track, which offers a melancholy but grateful conclusion to the album.
A Collaborative Journey
Bacelar and Morelenbaum first met in 2022, and their collaboration has grown ever since. Bacelar, a renowned pianist and producer, has worked with some of Brazil's most iconic musicians. Morelenbaum, based in Rio de Janeiro, is known for his work with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sting, and David Byrne. The two musicians have built a creative partnership that blends their diverse musical backgrounds into something truly special.
"The beauty of this project is in the collaboration and the stories that the music tells. It’s about the connections we made in Aracati, both with each other and with the environment around us," Bacelar reflects.
Aracati—Available January 31, 2024
Aracati is a stunning example of what can happen when two musicians connect deeply with each other and their environment. From the rolling hills of Ceará to the beaches of Brazil’s northeast, the album captures the essence of their journey—one of collaboration, nature, and inspiration. With the first two singles already available, anticipation for the full album is high.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary album. Aracati will be available on all streaming platforms and digital stores on January 31, 2024.
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