Inês Gonçalves (piano, vocals); Thomas Dixon (tenor sax); José Gonçalves (bass guitar); Ben Fitzgerald (percussion)
(Review by Russell)
A new band, its roots in Portugal and Gateshead, Sage Gateshead specifically. Nu Bossa lays claim to authenticity. Inês Gonçalves born in Portugal sings in her native tongue, father José thinks in Portuguese keeping his thoughts to himself surrounded as he is by Tyneside's predominately English (and incomprehensible Geordie) speakers. Saxophonist Thomas Dixon speaks English with, perhaps, a smattering of words from the Iberian Peninsula, and djembe-playing percussionist Ben Fitzgerald speaks English and who knows what else?
The seductive sounds of bossa is their common bond, new bossa...the Nu Bossa Band. Sitting at the piano Inês sang, introducing the numbers, José the steadying influence, Thomas, sporting a new look - pocket 'kerchief to boot! - went for the laid back, not quite Getzian, sound of sun, sand, sea and seasonal tenor saxophone with percussionist Ben demonstrating that a drummer doesn't always require the heavy artillery of bass drum, toms and snares.
Dindi opened the half-hour set in front of an attentive concourse gathering. A second number prompted your scribe to scribble '?' - not in any way questioning Nu Bossa's musicality, more a lack of familiarity with Portuguese! Later Inês kindly supplied the title - Inutil Paisagem. A correction, if required, should be addressed to: Editor, BSH.
Corcovado's gently swaying rhythms took us to Rio and back whereupon Thomas got all the notes in the right order on One Note Samba. This being the season of goodwill Inês closed Nu Bosssa's set with a nice take on Santa Baby.
Russell
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