Lior Schenk

MUS 8 Fa 15
10/30/15
Assignment 2
Jazz Around the World (Chico Pinheiro / Miguel Zenon)

To most people Latin music seems a single, homogeneous genre. Maybe theyve
heard mariachi, reggae, and bossa novabut not much more. Im in a similar
position, regrettably. Until Kamau pointed out the grand diversity in Latin music, Id
never really thought much about the genre. In actuality, its size is actually quite
staggering. A quick mosey over to Wikipedia reveals a hefty 37 subgenresand
thats not counting fusion and regional scenes! I myself am not even familiar with
10% of these styles. Its amazing how much variety there is within the genre. Thus,
in order to learn more about Latin music in jazz, Ive chosen to compare South
American artists Chico Pinheiro and Miguel Zenon.
In terms of age, both artists are actually quite close. Both born in the mid-70s, each
is only two years apart from the other. Geographically, however, Chico is from Sao
Paulo, Brazilwhile Miguel is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. These differences are
clearly reflected in their lyrics: Chicos music is largely in Portuguese, and Miguels
is in Spanish. Additionally, each artists music reflects various styles of their home
country. Chico Pinheiros Pelo Avesso, for example, is in a slower, calmer style
than Miguel Zenons Seis Cinco or his Que Sera de Puerto Rico?. While the latter
pieces are quicker and more beat-heavy, Pelo has a lighter, fresher feel to it. This
is likely a nod to the samba, bossa nova, and other styles that originate from
Chicos home Brazil. Most notably are each artists achievements. Both are hailed as
the most influential musicians in their countries, and both graduated from Berklee in

Lior Schenk
MUS 8 Fa 15
10/30/15
Boston to win many awards in jazz music. Both musicians went on to earn accolades
worldwide.

Chicos Pelo Avesso has a unique, dream-like quality to it. Despite its upbeat
tempo, the piece is light. Along with its rolling chords is a relaxed pace. Overall, the
song is bright and cheery, and very easy to listen to. I imagine a nice day on the
beach. Miguels Seis Cinco, on the other hand, starts off with a heavy beat and a
discordant keys/bass intro. The sax joins in, repeating the intro and then launching
into an unhinged solo section. Stylistically, Miguel seems more daring than Chico.
One line sounds like an old swing tune that stepped into a pinball machine or an
illusion house. I could definitely see this piece being used in a cartoon (did you know
that Cartoon Networks Ed Edd n Eddy featured a jazz soundtrack?). This is to
mean no insult to the composition of the piece. The lines, albeit a bit jarring, are
clearly thoughtfully written out. The piece is not simple; it is not easy to listen to,
like Pelo Avesso. Rather it demands analysis and interpretation. Upon closer
listening, one can pick out the pieces complex polyrhythms, intricate solos, and
unique lines. Chicos piece also seems to have some polyrhythm, but it is more
subtle. I prefer Pelo possibly for that reason. It has been stuck in my head for a
few days now, and will probably remain for a while longer!