Lovely Choro from Brazil in Ontario

Choro music evolved from the mix of indigenous, European and Afro-diasporic cultures in late 19th century Brazil. Its name is related to the verb chorar, which means to cry and is attributed by some to the overly sentimental way popular musicians of the time would interpret melodies brought from Europe. The most common environment where choro happens is the roda, an informal gathering of musicians to play together, usually in a circular formation around a table full of food and beverages. There, puns and jokes –musical and otherwise– abound and conventions are both followed and subverted in equal measure. Much like a jam session, there is a core repertoire of songs that most musicians know to some degree. Still, it's expected that they will be able to accompany by ear whatever the soloist throws at them, which makes plenty of room for improvisation and often creates equally beautiful, challenging, and funny moments. Gentle Weep is thus a nod to the different cultures that gave birth to the joy of playing music and to the various musics formed in the American continent. Any song can fit, because one doesn't have to only play choros to be playing Choro...