"Classics of the Brazilian Choro--You are the Soloist" series w/CD
Publisher: Global Choro Music Corporation
Incorporated in the State of California in October 2006, Global Choro Music Corporation was created with one major aspiration and goal: to have the Brazilian Choro promoted, recognized and played in the whole world. The series "Classics of the Brazilian Choro--You are the Soloist!" was the initial project proposed to materialize this dream. The purpose is to allow professional, amateur musicians and students throughout the world to meet the Choro based on the incomparable experience of performing the songs themselves accompanied by a Choro Ensemble.
We had the pleasure of stumbling onto these books at the Winter NAMM show in January of 2008. These are the fruits of an intense love for the rich tradition of Brazilian Choro and are are play-along albums for the flute, clarinet, mandolin and saxophone. President and Founder, Daniel Dalarossa describes his three motivations in providing the materials as 1.) bringing pleasure to the musician and others (Choros are delightful songs to play), 2.) offering a virtual ensemble experience (the musicians on the CD are accomplished and well-versed in the nuances of the music, and 3.) preserving the verdant aural heritage through a written format (these have been performed and passed down for many generations (since the early 19th century), but documented in notation only in the past few decades. In addition to the songs, a brief biographical history of the composer gives context to the music.
We already have in our own library, the three book series, O Melhor do Choro" Vols. 1-3, as well as Mike Marshall's Brazilian Choros book, but these books would be a wonderful addition because of the accompanying CDs. Playing along with a true incarnation of the recognized choro band, the 6- and 7-string guitars, the cavaquinho and the pandeiro, one can immerse oneself into the deeper dimension of ensemble authenticity, without having to leave the house. This really does make a musician play with more energy in practice, as well as sharpen skills for the eventual day of participating in a live band.
One bit of warning, these are more appropriate for the intermediate/advanced player. Tempos are quite brisk, and not infrequently, the written notation takes the mandolinist above the 7th fret. Since these aren't written specifically for mandolin, no tablature is included.
Still, if you are capable of some decent sight-reading skills, the books are magnificent fun. We reviewed the first two books, Nazareth Book 1 & 2, and look forward to the upcoming release of the Jacob do Bandolim book in the not-too-distant future.
We should also mention the books are supported by valuable online resources from the company website. Particularly helpful are the chord fingerings, and these can be retrieved (along with guitar and cavaquinho) online. Also helpful, instructions on how to change tempos and/or key through the use of Audacity PC software.
 Nazareth Book 1: Songs
$29.00
Ameno Resedá
Apanhei-te, Cavaquinho!
Odeon
Eponina
Escovado
Está Chumbado
Expansiva
Favorito
Matuto
Tenebroso
Batuque
(bonus track)
 Nazareth Book 2: Songs
$29.00
Bambino
Brejeiro
Perigoso
Carioca
Confidências
Escorregando
Faceira
Nenê
Ranzinza
Topázio Líquido
Ouro Sobre Azul
Website: Global Choro Music Corporation
859 Corporate Way
Fremont, CA
94539
Songbooks also currently available: Ernesto Nazareth Vol 3, and Chiquinha Gonzaga
Disclaimer: In the 'Information Age' of the 21st Century,
any fool with a computer, a modem, and an idea can
become a self-professed 'expert." This site does not
come equipped with 'discernment.'
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