For my third digital single I recorded a song named after one incredible, deep rhythm from Northeast Brazil called “Maracatu.” I first discovered the world of Maracatu when one of my favorite percussionists and influences, Airto Moreira, recommended me for a gig in the 1990s. I traveled to Pernambuco, Brazil for a music festival playing with Giovanni Hidalgo’s band. At that festival there were some Maracatu ensembles that completely hypnotized and captivated me forever. I never forgot that experience! On my 2005 DVD, Global Beats for Drumset & Percussion, I included the tune “Tu Maracatu.” Later, when I saw the group Sambaguru - with Brazilian singer Katia Moraes and my good friend, percussionist Kevin Ricard - I wanted to have vocals on “Tu Maracatu." So Katia created lyrics and some additional melodies and it was “reborn” as “Maracatu.” On this track you will hear the great Alphonso Johnson on bass, Kevin Ricard on percussion, the renowned Michael Ripoll on guitars, the late Roger Burn on keys again, and of course, Katia Moraes on vocals; I’m on drumset. My purpose for this song, as for all songs in this CD, is so that to I can transport you for a few minutes to another place, culture, spirit… and you can travel while listening to this music with these great musicians. Enjoy!! Produced by Walfredo Reyes, Jr. ©2014 Walfredo Reyes, Jr., Wally King Music (ASCAP), Roger Edward Burn, Burnin’ Down the House Music (BMI) and Katia Moraes (ASCAP) Musicians on Welcome to WallyWorld include: Jimmy Haslip (bass), Michael O’Neill (guitar), Roger Burn (keyboards), Matt Rohde (keyboards), Michael Thompson (guitar), Alphonso Johnson (bass), Kevin Ricard (percussion), Ramon Stagnaro (guitar), Lou Pardini (keyboards), Richie Gajate Garcia (percussion), Katia Moraes (vocals), Ricky Encarnacion (bass, keyboards), Neale Heywood (guitar), David Garfield (keyboards), Oskar Cartaya (bass), Michael Ripoll (guitar), and three generations of the de los Reyes family - Lilliana de los Reyes (vocals), Daniel de los Reyes (percussion), Walfredo Reyes, Jr. (percussion, drums), Walfredo de los Reyes, Sr. (percussion). For all of you that do not speak Brazilian (Portuguese): This is a verbatim translation of the original Brazilian lyrics into English, without the rhyming aspect intact. “MARACATU” Chorus 1, Brazilian: Você É quem merece esse Maracatu lindo Porque Foi seu sorriso que me acordou Você É quem merece esse Maracatu lindo Porque No seu silêncio eu ouvi o som Chorus 1, English: You… Deserve to hear this beautiful Maracatu Because… Your smile awakens me You… Deserve this beautiful Maracatu Because… In your silence I heard these Sounds Verse 1, Brazilian: Na coragem eu plantei o pé De loucura mudei de tom Dancei loucamnete até cair Até achar o bom Da raiz veio um grito forte Veio a morte do que passou E agora nessa caminho Eu vou pintando uma outra cor Verse 1, English: In courage, I set my foot down Crazily I changed the key Danced wildly ‘til I fell down I found the spirit of goodness in me From my roots, a scream came out I saw “final death” of what has passed And now I paint a New Color In my path Verse 2, Brazilian: Água pura caiu do céu Rio imenso me carregou Lamaçal quis prender meu rumo Correnteza me libertou Pra quem recharçar o medo Voar alto, morrer de amar Cante bem esse seu silêcio Cale a dor desse seu pensar Verse 2, English: Pure water fell from the sky An immense river carried me away The Mud wanted to hold me back The Current set me free If you want to reject all fear To fly high, to die with love Sing out loud in your silence Shut the pain off in your mind Repeat Chorus 1, Brazilian: Você… If you really want to delve deeper into Maracatu, I found this great book by a drummer totally dedicated to the Maracatu rhythms. http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/maracatu-for-drumset-and-percussion-kettner/drum-set-methods-cd