Music legend Tom Zé, the avant garde conscience of Brazil’s 1960s Tropicália movement, exuberantly channels the spirit of Salvador and São Paulo with an evening of samba and bossa nova reimagined as only he can. Context is everything, so get closer to the production through our series of curated links, videos, and articles. After you've attended the show, let us know what you thought by posting in the comments below and on social media using #TomZé.
Program Notes
Article
FEATURE: Brazil’s Madcap Post-Tropicalista Tom Zé is Still Making the Avant-Garde Go Pop (FADER)A very useful primer on Tropicália, Tom Zé, and that time the great forgotten musician was “on the verge of leaving São Paulo to pump gas at his cousin’s fuel station,” before David Byrne discovered his album in a record store in Rio.
Article
The Brazilian Tragicomedy Of Tom Zé (Paste)
Why Zé absolutely is—and resolutely isn’t—an exemplar of Brazil’s Tropicália movement.
Watch & Listen
Video
Tom Zé: Explaining Things So I Can Confuse You (YouTube)
The origin story of Tom Zé, featuring Rita Lee, David Byrne, and some great archival footage, put together for the release of Luaka Bop’s 2010 box set, “Studies of Tom Zé.”
Video
Menina Amanha de Manha - Red Bull Music Academy lecture series (YouTube)
Zé comes a bit undone during an impromptu performance in the middle of an RBMA lecture series event in Madrid.
Video
Tropicalia: Revolution in Sound (YouTube)
On the revolutionary politics of Tropicália, the repression of the Brazilian junta, and the inspiration of Paris, May ‘68.
Now your turn...
How did you enjoy the show? Likes? Dislikes? Surprises? Tell us what's on your mind in the comments below and on social media using #TomZé.