Multi-instrumentalists David French and Louis Simão make their music at the cultural crossroads where the samba of Brazil meets the fado of Portugal; where the rhumba of Cuba joins the gnawa of Morocco. French and Simão celebrate the sounds of the world as they combine the power of folkloric music with the improvisational spirit of jazz.

French and Simão’s debut recording Faia captures the sonic grace of their live performances and the rhythmic intensity of their original compositions. From the lilting samba of Poeira and the folkloric maculelê of Saber Cair to the haunting fado Canção do Mar, this album pays homage to musical traditions around the world. A highlight of this unusual blend of folk traditions is Louis’ poetic Portuguese lyrics, which explore the sounds and stories of the Portuguese-speaking diaspora.

The duo began their musical association as founding members of world-music ensemble Pedras da Rua. Their debut album, Pra Voce, is a mixture of classic Portuguese songs and original material. They have opened for Cesaria Evora and Celso Machado, been featured on CBC Radio’s Bandwidth One and shared a night with Brazilian reggae stars Chico Cesar and Rita Ribeiro at The Blueprints Arts Festival 2000; this performance became the subject of a documentary for Bravo’s Centre Stage Chronicles. A remix of Pedras da Rua’s « Terra do Bravo » is also featured on Required Listening Vol. #1, voted best Toronto disc of 2003 by NOW Magazine.

With the improvisational som livre (free sound) at the heart of their musical philosophy, French and Simão’s melodious mosaic places an emphasis on an intimate small-ensemble acoustic approach. The result is a hypnotic world music tapestry full of warmth and beauty – a virtuosic and compelling performance that is fascinating for both the eyes and ears.

FRENCH/SIMÃO

1. Oração

FRENCH

2. Janeiro

SIMÃO/FRENCH

3. Saber Cair

NOGUEIRA – ARR. SIMÃO/FRENCH

4. Reflexões em 2 por 4

SIMÃO

5. Poeira

FRENCH/SIMÃO

6. Os Filhos

TRAD. CAPOEIRA – ARR. FRENCH

7. Paranaé/Dalilah

FRENCH

8. Samba do Parque La Fontaine

FRENCH/SIMÃO

9. Idalina

FRENCH/SIMÃO

10. Xurandó

DEBRITTO – ARR. SIMÃO

11. Canção do Mar

TRAD. AZORES – ARR. SIMÃO

12. São Gonçalo de Amarante

ELLINGTON/TIZOL – ARR. SIMÃO/FRENCH

13. Caravan

SIMÃO

14. A Maré e a Lua