“Novas Raízes” (New Roots) is the name of the latest album produced by the pianist Floriano Inacio Junior.
The “Raízes” (Roots) represent the link where the past, present and future are intertwined. Now these links are “Novas” (New) – given that fruitful partnerships from this journey up to this point were added.
The value of life, love and respect for nature gave Floriano a perfect liaison of happiness, inspiring him to produce this album, the fourth of his career.
Strong, contagious melodies and a lot of improvisation produced by a wide variety and combination of instruments, coupled with a passion for “Brasil Jazz” and “Samba Jazz”, are indelible characteristics of Foriano’s style. Driven by this energy, the composer, arranger and instrumentalist imprints a vibrant “Brazilianness” on the twelve compositions that frame this jazz-governed platform. Viewed by him as an amalgam between his incessant studies, academic advancements and his own nocturnal experiences, this fusion leads to an ever-deeper intimacy with his instinctive musicality. Jazz therefore, is for him a connection between knowledge, experience and sharing.
Imbued with boundless energy, the recordings to Floriano represent a long journey across the “Oceans” and through the “Winds of the Sahara” until reaching his final destination – a clear demonstration of reverence towards his new home with “Samba pra Helvetia” (Samba for Switzerland), metaphorizing some titles of his compositions.
It’s worth mentioning that the musicians invited to take part in this new project, although of different nationalities, all speak the same language – music.
The smoothness ascribed to Floriano and his compositions say a lot about him and the calm wisdom with which he expresses different rhythms “roots” of his ancestry, vividly alive in his music. Sharing his opus is an exercise in memory, a need for recording permanence, but also a desire to impart peace and happiness.
May the roots grow; when exposed, the roots spread and create safe and fertile soil for a genre of musicality open to discourse and a plethora of influences that steadily, piano piano, translate into melodies.
The “Novas Raízes” (New Roots) are earth, path and union. They are pure communion.
Monique Franco October 2020