Bill Brennan vacations in Belo Horizonte on the gorgeous and soothing new single from his award-winning album Kaleidoscope — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Inspired by the breathtaking title city amid the majestic Brazilian mountains in Minas Gerais, this esteemed pianist, percussionist, composer, and producer delves into a deeply poignant memory from a vacation in Brazil. For a month, he immersed himself in the city alongside fellow musical talents from the acclaimed group Uakti.
The musician reminisces about the serene morning routines during his stay, recounting the rhythmic cadence of his walks with Marco, the artistic leader of the group, in the vast city park adjacent to his residence. “During these jaunts, I experienced the park waking up. Inevitably the walks would start with a meditative beginning of silence or just a slight breeze,” he explains.
These strolls commenced in tranquil stillness, often veiled by a serene hush or the faint whisper of a gentle breeze. The ambiance gradually transformed as the bamboo stems softly brushed against one another, harmonizing with the increasing symphony of avian melodies. The park’s serenity then gave way to the mischievous antics of the playful monkeys, contributing to the crescendo of natural sounds that reached a zenith before the musician emerged onto the peaceful streets bordering the park.
Belo Horizonte beautifully echoes the sensory experience of the awakening park, skillfully encapsulating its changing ambiance and natural melodies. This addition enriches his collection of celebrated single releases, showcasing his talent for creating immersive musical narratives.
It’s little wonder Brennan recently won the MusicNL Classical Artist of the Year award — and was nominated for Solo Artist Of The Year — in the wake of his mesmerizing album Kaleidoscope: Music For Mallet Instruments. His compositions weave together the rich textures of mallet instruments, primarily the marimba and vibraphone. With influences ranging from Ghana to Brazil, Indonesia to India, and his beloved Newfoundland and Labrador, Brennan’s work resonates with layers of intricate patterns and melodic complexity.
Watch a performance of Belo Horizonte and hear the story behind the song above, sample more of Kaleidoscope below, and find Bill Brennan at his website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
