GSP Recordings, a label recognized for its integrity, has just released the complete Afro-Sambas of Vinícius de Moraes and Baden Powell. Interpreted by Paulo Bellinati and Mônica Salmaso, the recording adds a new dimension to the concept of guitar and voice duets and was a finalist for the 1997 Prêmio Sharp award, Brazil's equivalent of a Grammy. Mônica Salmaso's voice is alluring, dreamlike, and powerful. Bellinati's guitar counterpoint is a refreshingly different approach to the accompaniment role. Hearing is believing. Afro-Sambas is without a doubt one of the best releases of 1997. For more information call (800) 288-2007.
Bitter Pill
Brazilian TV host Ferreira Neto, who has a TV interview show in Florida, did not take too seriously the warning by the customs police at the Miami International Airport when he was caught in May bringing a box of Rohypnol into the U.S. Rohypnol is a medicine sold as a tranquilizer in Brazil, but it is considered an illegal drug in the United States. At the time, Ferreira Neto signed a document committing himself to not bring the confiscated substance to this country again and was let go,
On August 17, the bearded TV presenter was once again caught red handed. This time there was no compassion. The medicine was apprehended and Ferreira Neto was taken to jail, being freed only after posting a $10,000 bond. Now the journalist is being prosecuted for drug traffic. If condemned, he might get as much as three years in prison. What did Ferreira Neto think about his ordeal? "Human rights in the United States are a big joke," he said.
Taking
ManhattanDrawn by what they consider great bargains, well-to-do Brazilians have been taking—or better—buying New York. The trend has been noticed by weekly newsmagazine Veja. Real estate agency Corcoran's, for example, has sold 50 apartments in Manhattan to Brazilians in the first six months of this year.
Among the celebrities who now own a piece of the Apple we have singer Gal Costa who paid a cool $1 million for her vacation refuge. Another Bahiano musician, Caetano Veloso, got his place for half the price in East Village. Singer Marisa Monte and composer João Bosco have also bought their little corner on the island of Manhattan.
Going
On UpCarlos Wattimo, owner of Brazil Update, a New York-based company that sells videotapes with Brazilian TV programs, is betting that he will also be successful producing a TV program himself. So sure is Wattimo, in fact, that he is shelling out $200,000 from his own pocket to produce the pilot of the sitcom Astoria, USA.
The Portuguese-language situation comedy to be shown on Brazilian TV will revolve around a Brazilian family that left Brazil after being involved in a financial scandal. In New York, they open the Plaza boarding house that becomes a hanging out place for Brazilian sacoleiros (people who buy goods to resell in Brazil), musicians, and go-go girls.
Astoria, USA, is being directed by Jordele Larcher. Most of the participants in the project are Brazilian actors and actresses who live in the United States. Co-writer Cláudia Rapsold says that she was inspired by her compatriots who live in the same Astoria neighborhood that she does.