It’s hard to believe that I’ve actually been living in Brazil for over a year now… I was thinking about this the other day as a helicopter landed on top of one of the office buildings behind our apartment here in Sao Paulo. With over 18 million people (and growing!) Sao Paulo has attained the status of the 4th largest city in the world and has done so more rapidly than any other metropolis on the planet. It’s a crazy place but I love it and it really is the cultural centre of S. America. Virtually everything exists here and I’m really enjoying my studies and the new projects that I’m involved with. Speaking of which - I have a new Brazilian organ trio featuring Thiago Pinheiros (drums) and Daniel Andreotti (guitar) that is currently in the studio recording a new all original jazz CD and my Electrolounge project with DJ Rene is rehearsing for some upcoming shows with GrooveSamba. You can preview some of the music here: (www.idisk.mac.com/charliedennard-public). My last couple of gigs with Pedro Alterio (myspace.com/pedroalterio) went really well also and we’re getting closer to recording his new album and doing more concerts in the near future too… Hope everyone is doing well amidst this global financial crisis that we’re having – but please remember to support the arts and think about peaceful and positive things! Until next time…

First off, the new Razl CD (pictured) entitled “Rotonova” has finally been released featuring myself alongside such greats as Mike Keneally, Dean Brown, Bryan Beller, and Damian Erskine!!! Intergalactic dirty guitar grooves for earthling weirdos best describes this stellar recording by the Madrid-based guitar god Raul Huelves… Muchas gracias Razl & felicitaciones! Secondly, some of the recording sessions at the Sol Lua studio that I made are being used for a new national TV show in Brazil entitled “Revelacao” as well as some local commercial jingles around Sao Paulo. Lastly, an interesting new project called Groove Samba that mixes the house grooves of DJ Zaquinho with live samba drums and percussion has approached me to possibly compose and collaborate with them in the near future… Please stay tuned for more excitement and adventure coming your way soon!

Being in Brazil has been one of the most musically inspiring experiences of my life. Not only have I learned more about the incredible depth of the Brazilian masters such as Ivan Lins, Egberto Gismonti, and Chico Buarque to name a few – I have also discovered countless newer artists like CeU, Hamilton de Holanda, Andre Mehmari and Lenine. What’s even more amazing is that I’ve had the sincere privilege of working with a couple of the youngest ‘next generation’ of Brazilian composers – Pedro Alterio (pictured) and Dani Black. In addition to being extremely well versed in the repertoire of their mentors, these new musicians are writing songs with the harmonic complexity and poetic text that seem to be non-existent in today’s popular music. I’m really happy to be here and to be involved with people such as Pedro and Dani because I know that these guys have a great future ahead of them. I only hope that some of their creative talents will wear off on me as the influence of Brazil continues to inspire and enhance my endless musical journey…

The Electrolounge Project is one of my newest projects to emerge out of my home studio. Combining elements of urban jazz and soul music (that would be from me!) with the elegant vocal improvisations of Swiss/Moroccan singer Malika Alaoui and the ever-so-clever cutting edge programming techniques of DJ Rene Penaloza from S. America; the group is starting to take shape and transform itself into an international pop phenomenon that is headed for success amongst the electro lounge airwaves and underground music scene. For down-tempo/chill music connoisseurs with a taste of style – this project will be a necessity (and I can’t wait to hear what everyone else thinks too!). We’re headed back to the studio here in Brazil next month – so feel free to spread the word and tune in for more updates as the story unfolds… Peace

Happy (Late) New Year everyone! Coincidentally, this year has started with a “Grande Finale” of sorts for me. After performing over 1,700 shows in 12 different countries, I have just completed my 5-year tour of duty with Cirque du Soleil’s “Alegria” in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. Words alone can’t describe what a phenomenal experience this has been and I think that all of the countless people, places and incredible memories will be forever embedded into my heart and soul. Of course, I have fallen in love in (and with) Brazil so I will be setting up my new international headquarters here in Sao Paulo to be with my girlfriend Mariana and work with as many musicians as possible. There’s a real spirit here in Brazil that reminds me a lot of back home in New Orleans – the food, music, culture, chaos, excitement and people are some of the best in the world. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life to it’s fullest. Take care and please keep in touch!

I think almost every Brazilian person that I have ever known or worked with has been a bit crazy! Performing here in Curitiba has only confirmed my thoughts becuase the energy coming from the audience each night feels insanely beautiful. Just listening to the local radio and enjoying the local scenery has been inspirational as well. I'm really looking forward to experiencing more of it!

Cirque du Soleil - "Alegria"
Curitiba, Brazil ~ Sept. 14 - Oct. 7
Brasilia, Brazil ~ Oct. 19 -Nov. 11
Belo Horizonte, Brazil ~ Nov. 22 - Dec. 16
Rio de Janiero ~ Dec. 27 - Jan. 20

www.myspace.com/charliedennard
www.web.mac.com/charliedennard

Located along the northern coast of Spain, Gijon is a beautiful town that caters to local spanish tourists during the summer season. I can ride my bike on the pedestrian walkway next to the beach almost all the way to work - and if there aren’t too many people I can usually get there in 20 minutes! It’s very relaxing and there was an impressive airshow today above our bigtop... This is the perfect city for the finale of our '06-'07 European tour. Also, I just updated my music tracks on MySpace.com/charliedennard and I also have a new website http://web.mac.com/charliedennard. Please drop by and have a listen and say hello sometime! Adios amigos...