This set was one of the highlights of NAMM for me, so it's appropriate it came at the end of the last day.
I don't know what to say about Joao's music I haven't already said: it's some of the most creative new guitar instrumental music I've heard in years, with a seamless fusion of surf, spy, twang, Latin, country, jazz, and plain ol' rock & roll influences.
Joao's a fine player with all the technique a guy needs, but he puts the skill and the chops in service of the songs, never to generate notes for the sake of flash. The composition is sly, witty, good-humored, smart, and musically rich and satisfying.
His tone is superb, no matter what guitar he's slinging: his recent LA Sessions album is mostly a Zaganin Jazzmaster, but I think the Billy Bo he's slinging here sounds as good as the record, and much better than the Jazzmaster sounded when he played some of the same material at Guitar Geek. It's fat, but it still twangs.
(I believe he's picking up a Billy Bo as a permanent member of his harem.)
In other words, as if we needed a reminder, tone is in the player.
And for a brilliant player, he's also a great guy to hang with - enthusiastic, soft-spoken, humble, open and soulful. I think that comes out in the music too. Here's wishing him the best, and a career that does justice to his unique approach.
And how about this band, huh? Pete Curry – Los Straitjackets bassist – plays drums here with power, finesse, and precision, and Sam Bolles – Dick Dale's bassist – holds the groove. The three have practiced together minimally, but given the power of the tunes and the strength of the players, they form a seamless unit.
Just a blast to hear, and to watch in action. Joao had gathered a crowd of jaded, heard-it-all FMIC guys by the end of the set, no doubt realizing they'd now heard something ELSE.
Pete tells about the recording process for the album – Joao came in with the songs, and they worked them up with a session bassist (Sam didn't play on the LA Sessions album), then recorded them live in the studio.
The entire process took two-and-a-half days from start to finish, including mixing.
Yeah baby!
But I digress. Here you go!
Joao, Pete, & Sam Audio
Joao 1
Joao 2
Joao 3
Joao 4
Joao 5
Joao 6
Joao 7
Joao 8
Joao & Company Video
Joao Video 1
Joao Video 2
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