The new album by Portuguese singer, guitarist and composer Rafael Fraga comprises 14 original songs performed by the Rafael Fraga Quartet with strings. “Trova Caminhada” is a unique blend of Fado, Bossanova, Worldmusic and Jazz, served by a warm voice and sophisticated compositions.
Rafael Fraga
Trova Caminhada
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About the album
The new album by Portuguese singer, guitarist and composer Rafael Fraga comprises 14 original songs performed by the Rafael Fraga Quartet with strings. “Trova Caminhada” is a unique blend of Fado, Bossanova, Worldmusic and Jazz, served by a warm voice and sophisticated compositions.
The word “Trova” carries different meanings – sometimes music, others poetry, from the European Middle ages to Contemporary Cuban music. For me, it evokes the capacity to express something powerful, authentic and meaningful: a cry that puts things in motion – the “Caminhada”, which literally means “walking”, or, even better “outing”.
This “Trova Caminhada” departs from sinuous road, filled with memories, pain and joyful celebration. It puts in perspective my adulthood, in more than 15 years of songwriting, as “Plano Secreto” was written in 1999 and “A Ginga da Morna” in 2016, and the remaining songs written in between.
Until now, I made a career as guitarist and arranger; this album is a personal landmark, in which I fully embrace the role of vocalist.
I appreciate the spontaneity in Portuguese culture, as well as the omnipresence of music in social gatherings; people get together, sing and play. I envisioned this album to retain that informal character by just bringing the musicians together and recording the result. This album is fully made under this spirit of spontaneity and gathering, in which we tried to keep as much of the “live” feel as possible – acknowledging the occasional leakages or noises that result from our proximity to each other, etc.
For me, writing is a lonely process. Sometimes it’s just a melody fragment that pops up from nowhere; others melody and lyrics seem to summon from the guitar strings. I analyse and rethink the texts word by word, trying to extract from them all the nuances. I write as a need, hoping that my writings light up a sparkle in someone.
The eremitic songwriter finding joy in a standing ovation is a paradox expressed in “Poeta Equilibrista”, opening song of this album. It sets the mood for a path of self-discovery, embracing desires and contradictions – the spice of life.
Tracklist click to play/pause
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Rafael Fraga
Poeta Equilibrista
3:46
3:46
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Rafael Fraga
Espero
3:27
3:27
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Rafael Fraga
Terra Presa
3:35
3:35
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Rafael Fraga
E O Meu Corpo Vai Tombado
4:14
4:14
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Rafael Fraga
A Ginga Da Morna
3:14
3:14
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Rafael Fraga
Está na Hora de Voltar
5:39
5:39
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Rafael Fraga
Plano Secreto
4:30
4:30
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Rafael Fraga
Rola a Bola
3:16
3:16
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Rafael Fraga
Sábio entre Sábios
5:40
5:40
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Rafael Fraga
Cartas, Lábios e Lágrimas
4:28
4:28
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Rafael Fraga
Sempre que o Sol se Acabe
4:36
4:36
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Rafael Fraga
Trova Caminhada
3:57
3:57
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Rafael Fraga
Já Lá Vão
8:20
8:20
More information
| Label | TRPTK |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Jazz |
| Artist(s) | Aki Spadaro Efraim Schulz-Wackerbarth Marko Bonarius Rafael Fraga |
| Composer(s) | Fraga, Rafael |
| Recording location(s) | Muziekcentrum van de Omroep - Studio 2, Hilversum (NL) |
| Recording date(s) | July 2017 |
| Cat. No. | TTK 0014 |
|---|---|
| Release date |
September 30th, 2017 |
| Additional links |
"[Rafael’s] buttery smooth but clear voice was recorded very truthfully. The three-dimensionality and lifelikeness of the recording without any digital artefacts raises all sorts of new standards. A masterpiece!"
Matthias Böde, Stereo
"There is a seamless, seductive quality to this recording, enhanced by Brendon Heinst’s expert engineering, that draws the listener in, for a closer music – and deeper emotional – encounter."
Mark Werlin, All About Jazz
"A great album that allows you to escape from the big world, into the small, intimate world of the Portuguese master."
Mateusz Krepski, Multikulti Project
