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The
web-based, English language translation of Elis Regina's celebrated
biography Furacão Elis
was launched from its permanent home at Connectbrazil.com on March
17th, in honor of her birthday. Regina died tragically in 1982.
The
12 chapter, 363 page book is considered by critics and music historians
to be the definitive biography of the legendary Brazilian singer's
life. The English language version will also include reference
notes and a complete discography.
The
book's title is a reference to Regina's nickname, 'Hurricane',
reflecting her often volatile temperament. Carefully researched
and authored by Regina Echeverria, Furacão
Elis was first published by Editorial Nordica, Rio
de Janeiro in 1985 and was an immediate sensation. It remained
a best seller in Brazil for quite some time and enjoyed several
editions, but was never offered in English. Today copies of the
book are nearly impossible to locate.
In
1991, Robert St-Louis began a four-year project to translate the
book from its original Portuguese to English. Although not a professional
translator, St-Louis has nevertheless provided the world with
a wonderful gift - he credits nearly a dozen and a half people
who supplied guidance for the accuracy of his work. Connectbrazil.com
will present this book in its entirety, for Brazilian music fans
to enjoy and to share with others.
A
portion of the translated version of Furacão
Elis was released earlier this year to a select list
of journalists, who were asked to remark. One comment stands out:
"Elis Regina was born to destiny, much like a shooting star
that streaked across the Brazilian night."
Those
familiar with the Brazilian singer's life will understand that
the reviewer's poetic timbre is no accident; the push against
hyperbole stands aside for Regina's story.
From
her beginnings in far south Porto Alegre, she made her way to
Rio and São Paulo in 1960, endured Antonio Carlos Jobim's
initial rebuff ("That gaúcha is a bit of a country
bumpkin," he's reported to have said. "You can still
smell the barbecue on her."), and rode the crest of the new
MPB movement while reinventing Bossa Nova in São Paulo.
All in 37 short years.
"Elis
also bravely took to the stage unknown songs by then young and
green composers like Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil,
Milton Nascimento, João Bosco and Aldir Blanc," recalls
writer Cindy Pereira Wilson in her article titled 'Still The Greatest'.
"Her daring to sing unknown and sometimes controversial pieces
was, to some, irreverence and cost her commercial support and
fans. The singer sometimes clashed with interviewers and even
with favorite composers like Gil and Caetano by way of brash comments
and stubborn decisions to alter their lyrics."
Regina's
tempestuous life sought its creative release on stage and in the
studio. She seemed to find release in her music - pouring her
emotion into each song. With two recent DVD concert titles now
available and with numerous re-issues of her original recordings
and compilations, Elis Regina's music still demands that listeners
involve themselves with her songs.
A
two-hour broadcast special, 'Celebrating Elis Regina' was aired
on 'The Sounds of Brazil! syndicated radio network the weekend
of March 18th and was webcast 24/7 the following week at Connectbrazil.com.
"Like
other world-class singers who have left us too early, Elis Regina's
unique talent pushed the boundaries of artistic creativity,"
said Connectrbazil.com publisher Scott Adams. "To this day,
Elis has no equal in Brazilian music. A Brazilian friend gave
me a copy of this book back in 1989 and in that same spirit, I'm
very pleased to once again share her story with others."
Connectbrazil.com
is one of the most highly branded websites for Brazilian music
in the US and provides a comfortable environment in which visitors
can explore Brazilian music and culture at their own pace. The
web site was launched in 1997 as an Internet companion to The
Sounds of Brazil radio program, which is celebrating it 14th year
in syndication.
Connectbrazil.com's
spring schedule includes 'Discovery Month' featuring select Brazilian
music compilation CDs and emerging artists (April), and Brazilian
Guitar Month (May). In September, Connectbrazil.com will present
a month-long tribute to Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 in honor of
the group's 40th anniversary.
For
more information, please visit www.connectbrazil.com. You can
access our Resource Center by clicking on 'Contact Us', then 'Advertise'
from the menu bar at the top of the web site's home page.
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