2008 programme of Patrimonio's guitar nights

Part one: Armandinho Macêdo e Grupo Pop Choro

Armandinho is hailed in Brasil as THE master of the mandolin. His instrument has a supplementary double chord at the bass end, thus augmenting the rhythmic and harmonic possibilities. His local media has crowned him with all sorts of titles such as King of the Choro, King of the mandolin, King of the Bahia Carnaval and so it goes on … His career, that has had such an impact in Brasil, is a bridge between classical and popular music whilst his inventiveness has allowed him to revolutionise the art of mandolin playing thanks to a truly stunning technique. His music is a cross-breed of styles from Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Waldir Azevedo, Radames Gnatelli, Tom Tobim, Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil. And just to mix things up and keep it all really fresh and interesting you also have to throw into the melting pot the likes of the Beatles, Hendrix, and even Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Varied enough for you? In short, this chap is somewhat special and has great stage presence to boot.

On stage : Armandinho Macêdo (bahianian guitar, mandoline), Jurandir Da Silva (guitar), Marcio Diniz (drums), Rogerio Souza (percussions), Bruno Lopes (bass).

Official website

Part two: Chico & the Gypsies

Chico Bouchiki is the founding member of the Gipsy Kings, an outfit that needs little introduction having saturated the airwaves with the likes of Djobi Djoba, Bamboleo and Volare over the last 20 years. Under its new name the group is as likely to play the old hits as well as the newer numbers. With albums such as Tengo Tengo, Vagabundo, Nomade and Freedom, sold by the millions, a large portion of the planet has at some stage been dancing to these sounds which is in itself quite an achievement. Producer, artistic director, band musician and co-author of the Gipsy Kings’ greatest hits, Chico has also been writing new material, often in the vein of the irresistible Rumba Gitana popularized by Manitas de Plata, whose nephew is the lead guitarist of the group. He has also been awarded the honorific title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (issued by the French Ministry of Culture for services rendered to the Arts) and has been made UNESCO’s special envoy for peace. A recently published biography on Chico describes his extraordinary life story and his dual role as an ambassador for peace and showbiz star. All his achievements and subsequent recognition have done nothing to alter his innate and legendary generosity, an attribute shared by his fellow musicians. Audiences of all ages and origins are inevitably won over by concerts that are nothing less than a celebration of life. The perfect way to close this 19th edition of the Patrimonio Guitar Nights.

On stage : «Chico» Chico Bouchikhi (guitar, voice), «Manolo» Manolo Gimenez (voice), «Joseph» Joseph Gautier (guitar, voice), «Kema» Christophe Baliardo (guitar), «Babato» Alain Bourguet (guitar, voice), «Tane» Jean Farre (guitar, voice), «Mounin» Jean-Claude Vila (guitar, voice), Tony Ballester (bass), Benchaa Abbas (percussions), Eric Lafont (drums), Julio Font Pavon (keyboards).
Official website