The Lullaby Project is a large set of works for jazz orchestra (5 movements), which draws its inspiration from melodic fragments originating in traditional Brazilian lullabies. These melodies have their origin in Portugal and Africa, and have been sung by mothers and fathers to their children for centuries. The simple melodies are memorable and bright, but the lyrics can be quite dark and haunting.

The Lullaby Project’s objective is to create a musical commentary on the dark underlying qualities of these songs, as well as, through musical deconstruction, illustrate the social transformation these pieces have undergone, and the impact they have had on generations of Brazilian children. My mother sang me these songs as a child in Brazil, as I have since sung them to my own children. These lullabies have had a major musical impact on generations of Brazilians. They represent both the tradition and globalization of those who, like me, have immigrated to another country and built families elsewhere, yet still identify with Brazilian language and culture.

For this project, I will be using my newly founded Interconnections Ensemble. Layered on top of the bass, drums, piano, guitar and vibraphone, there will be a 5-piece woodwind section, a 4-piece trumpet section, and a 4-piece trombone section. Although the instrumentation might point to a more traditional approach to big band writing, this project could not be further from it. Because the approach to composition and instrumentation is more connected to a classical orchestral approach, I chose to call it an ensemble. I also used motivic development as a means to expand the limitations of form, yet improvisation and groove-oriented sections are a vital part of creating this new approach to large ensemble Brazilian jazz.

Each movement is through composed and features different members of the band as soloists. Color and texture have a large role in the overall esthetic of this work, which also utilizes harmonic devices ranging from Baroque to 20th century classical music, as well as jazz and Brazilian folk elements.

I can also see this large work evolving into a multi-media experience, with images in the background, the lyrics of each original lullaby recited as an introduction to the movements, and even possibly contemporary dancers, drawing from Brazilian dance traditions. Once the work is completed and recorded, I will be reaching out to collaborators and looking for grants to finance the production of these types of live performances.   

The Lullaby Project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non­profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of The Lullaby Project must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” only. Any contribution above the value of the goods and services received by the donor is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.