JOAO DONATO / MONOGRAFICO .

 

João Donato de Oliveira Neto (17 August 1934 – 17 July 2023). Descanse en Paz Maestro.

 

Career :

A professional at the age of 15, Donato played accordion at the Sinatra-Farney Fan Club. He would later learn piano and trombone.

Donato recorded for the first time with Altamiro Carrilho. Soon after he joined a band led by violinist Fafá Lemos that played in Brazilian nightclubs. His first solo album came out in 1953. He led the bossa nova band Os Namorados  which performed songs such as "Tenderly".

Donato became arranger and pianist for the band Garotos da Lua and was joined by João Gilberto.  After moving to São Paulo, he played in the Luís César Orchestra and the band Os Copacabanas.  In 1956 he recorded an album for Odeon that was produced by Antonio Carlos Jobim.  Donato wrote "Minha Saudade" with Gilberto, and it became a hit.  In an interview during the 1970s, Gilberto said Donato inspired the creation of bossa nova.  His other most well known composition is "Amazonas" written by João in collaboration with Lysias Enio. It was first released by Nara Leão featuring João Donato in 1977.

A little known fact is that João played trombone and recorded on the instrument with the bands of legendary Latin bandleaders: pianist Eddie Palmieri (La Perfecta c. 1962) and master timbalero Tito Puente and his big band (Bossa Nova by Tito Puente c. 1962, Vaya Puente c. 1962).

Jobs at nightclubs decreased when customers said they couldn't dance to his music. Musicians, too, found the music difficult to learn. Unable to find work in his home country, he left Brazil after his friend Nanai, a former member of Os Namorados, offered him a job in the U.S. During the next decade, he recorded with Mongo Santamaria as a pianist, Tito Puente as a trombonist, Eddie Palmieri as a trombonist, Astrud Gilberto, Bud Shank, and Cal Tjader. His hits included "A Rã" and "Caranguejo", both recorded by Sergio Mendes and the aforementioned "Amazonas" which was also recorded by Tjader, and a new big band version by the Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band on the Vox Humana album featuring Janis Siegel on vocals (2023). His album A Bad Donato (1970) was recorded with jazz bassist Ron Carter.  He was music director for Gal Costa in 1974.

Awards and honors :

Alexandre Carvalho dos Santos wrote, "I recommend a João Donato gig not only to someone who is interested in first-class music, an impressive pianist and a selection of historic compositions. I recommend it to anyone who needs an anti-depressive, an acupuncture session or any other form of deep relaxation. I had my dose on a Sunday evening, from a show in São Paulo. Perfect timing to start a week believing that happiness exists, in spite of your boss". In 2010, Sambolero, credited to the João Donato Trio, earned the Latin Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 10th Latin Grammy Awards.[3] In the same year, he was one of the recipients of the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2016, he was nominated for the Latin Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Album for his album Donato Elétrico. The album was also chosen by the Brazilian edition of Rolling Stone magazine as the 11th best Brazilian album of 2016. His album Sintetizamor was named by Rolling Stone Brasil one of the best of 2017.

He began his professional career in 1949, as a member of the group Altamiro Carrilho e Seu Regional, with which he recorded, that year, a 78 rpm containing the songs "Brejeiro" (Ernesto Nazareth) and "Feliz Birthday" (Altamiro Carrilho and Ari Duarte). . The seal omits its participation in the disc. He then replaced Chiquinho do Acordeon in Fafá Lemos's set in a presentation at the Monte Carlo nightclub (RJ). He later performed in other nightclubs, such as Plaza, Drink, Sacha's and Au Bon Gourmet, among others.

In 1953, he formed his own group, Donato e Seu Conjunto, with which he released two 78 rpm records that year: "Tenderly" (J. Lawrence and W..Gross)/"Invitation" (Bronislau Kaper) and " The time has come (Rubens Campos and Henricão)/"You Belong to Me" (Pee Wee King, Stewart and Price).

He was part of the group Os Namorados, with which he recorded three albums at 78 rpm: "I want a samba" (Haroldo Barbosa and Janet de Almeida) / "Três Ave-Marias" (Hanibal Cruz), in 1953; "Unhappy guess" (Noel Rosa)/"Pagode in Xerem (Sebastião Gomes and Alcebádes Barcelos), in 1953; and "You smiled" (Valdemar Gomes and José Rosa)/"I'm not silly" (Nanai, Ari Monteiro and L. Machado), in 1954.

Still in 1954, he formed the Trio Donato, with which he released a 78 rpm containing the songs "If you happen to arrive (Lupicínio Rodrigues and Felisberto Martins) and "There is a long time ago (J. Kern and I. Gershwin).

In 1956, he moved to São Paulo, where he worked as a pianist with the group Os Copacabanas and Orquestra de Luís Cesar. That same year, he released, with Donato and Seu Conjunto, a 78 rpm containing the songs "Farinhada" (Zé Dantas) and "Comigo é sim" (Luiz Bittencourt and José Menezes). Still in 1956, he recorded his first LP, "Chá Dançante", produced by Tom Jobim for the Odeon label. In the repertoire, the songs "Comigo é sim" (Luiz Bittencourt and Zé Menezes), "No Rancho Fundo" (Ary Barroso and Lamartine Babo), "If you happen to arrive" (Lupicínio Rodrigues and Felisberto Martins), "Carinhoso" (Pixinguinha and João de Barro), "Baião" (Luiz Gonzaga and Humberto Teixeira), "Peguei um Ita no Norte" (Dorival Caymmi), "Farinhada" (Zé Dantas) and "Baião da Garoa" (Luiz Gonzaga and Hervé Cordovil).

In 1958, he returned to Rio de Janeiro and dedicated himself exclusively to the piano. That year, he recorded two tracks on the LP "Dance Nós": "Minha saudade", his first hit, and "Mambinho", both in partnership with João Gilberto. At that time, he was part of the Maestro Copinha Orchestra, which performed at the Copacabana Palace (RJ).

In 1959 he traveled to Mexico with Nanai and Elizeth Cardoso. Then he moved to the United States, where he lived for three years. In that country, he performed with Carl Tjader, Johnny Martinez, Tito Puente and Mongo Santa Maria. He toured Europe with João Gilberto.

In 1962, he returned to Brazil, married to the American actress Patricia del Sasser.

In 1963, he recorded the LP “Very comfortable”, with Tião Neto (bass) and Milton Banana (drums). The album was released by Polydor, highlighting his compositions “Sambou… Sambou” (with João Melo) and “Caminho de casa”. Also in that year, he released the LP “A very modern bossa by João Donato and his Trio”.

He then returned to the United States, where he lived for another ten years. In that country, he recorded an LP with saxophonist Bud Shank and guitarist Rosinha de Valença, in addition to the albums “Piano of João Donato – The sound new sound of Brazil”, “A bad Donato”, which featured the participation of bassist Ron Carter, and “Donato Deodato – Featuring João Donato arranged and conducted by Deodato”, with arrangements by Eumir Deodato. He also performed with other artists, such as Astrud Gilberto, Caymmi, Tom Jobim, Eumir Deodato, Stan Kenton, Nelson Riddle, Herbie Mann and Wes Montgomery, among others. His songs “Amazonas”, recorded by Chris Montez, and “A rã” and “Caranguejo”, both recorded by Sérgio Mendes, were successful with the North American public.

In 1972, he returned to Brazil and recorded the LP “Quem é quem”, released by Odeon the following year. This album presents the novelty of having in its repertoire songs with lyrics sung by the composer himself, until then an instrumental music performer, with emphasis on “Até quem saber” (w/ Lysias Ênio) and “Chorou, cried” (w/ Paulo César Pinheiro ), among others.

In 1974, he signed the musical direction and participated in the show “Cantar”, performed by Gal Costa at Teatro da Praia (RJ). The show was recorded on disc, with a repertoire that included his songs “Até quem saber” and “A rã” (w/ Caetano Veloso).

In 1975, he recorded the LP “Lugar Comum”, released by Phonogram.

In 1986, he released the LP “Leilíadas”.

In 1997, he recorded, with drummer Eloir de Morais, the CD “Café com Pão”, for which he received two nominations for the Sharp Awards: Best Album and Best Arranger. That same year, he did a CD release show at the Mistura Fina nightclub (RJ). That same year, he released the CD “Coisastão simples”, by EMI/ Odeon, highlighting in the repertoire four original songs of his own: “Fonte de saudade” (w/ Lisias Ênio), “Everyday” (w/ Norman Gimbel ), “Summer of temptation” (w/ Toshiro Ono) and “Doralinda” (w/ Cazuza). The album had a launch show at the Mistura Fina nightclub (RJ).

In 1998, he performed again at Mistura Fina with the show “Café com Pão”, accompanied by drummer Eloir de Morais.

In 1999, he recorded the CD “Só danço samba”, exclusively interpreting works by Tom Jobim. That same year, Lumiar Discos & Editora launched the “Songbook João Donato” (book and three CDs), with the participation of Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Djavan and Daniela Mercury, among other artists. The launch show was held at Bar do Tom (RJ), with Bororó (acoustic bass), Victor Bertrami (drums), Ricardo Pontes (sax and flute), Jessé Sadoc (trumpet) and the composer himself on the piano, in addition to the participation by Nana Caymmi, Marcos Valle, Os Cariocas and Angela Rô Rô, among other performers.

In 2000, he performed in the project “Rio Sesc Instrumental”, at Sesc Copacabana (RJ), accompanied by Jessé Sadoc (trumpet), Ricardo Pontes (saxes and flute), Nei Conceição (bass) and Victor Bertrami (drums). That same year, he performed, on Copacabana Beach, the closing show of the “Rio-Bossa Nova 2000” project. Also in 2000, he recorded the CD “Amazonas”, accompanied by Cláudio Slon (drums) and Jorge Helder (acoustic bass), released by Vartan Tonoian's Elephant Records (Denver, Colorado, USA). The disc included in the repertoire own compositions, highlighting “Glass beads” and “Coisasdistantes”, both in partnership with João Gilberto. He performed at Memorial da América Latina, with the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica de São Paulo (SP), and at Mistura Fina (RJ), for the release of the album, accompanied by bassist Luis Alves (bass) and Cláudio Slon (drums), following then on tour in Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, highlighting a mini-season at the Blue Note in New York. Also in 2000, he was awarded the Shell Music Prize for his work as a whole and participated in the Free Jazz Festival (RJ), achieving public and critical success.

In June 2001, in the Amazon Rainforest, in partnership with pianist Everardo de Castro, he composed the theme for piano and orchestra “Amazonas: a symphonic poem”, sponsored by the Amazonian government and scripted by Ricardo Cravo Albin. In September of that same year, he presented the symphonic piece, alongside the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, with arrangements by maestro Laércio de Freitas, conducting by maestro Luiz Fernando Malheiro and narration by Ricardo Cravo Albin, at Teatro Amazonas, in Manaus.

In 2002, he released the CDs “Brazilian time”, “Remando na raia” and “Ê Lalá Lay-Ê” (DeckDisc), in the latter registering exclusively partnerships with his brother, Lysias Ênio. Also that year, he performed alongside the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica, at Sala São Paulo. The concert, recorded live, generated the CD “The Frog”, released by the Elephant Records label. Still in 2002, he traveled to Japan, where he made 10 presentations alongside the singer Joyce.

In 2003, he won the APCA Award (Paulista Association of Art Critics). He performed in Cuba, Russia and Japan, and in several Brazilian cities, releasing the CD “Managarroba”. The album had the participation of Marisa Monte, Marcelo D2, Joyce and João Bosco. That same year, he recorded, with Emílio Santiago, the CD “Emílio Santiago finds João Donato” and, with Wanda Sá, the CD “Wanda Sá com João Donato”.

In 2004, he was awarded the Tim Prize for the album “Emílio Santiago finds João Donato”. The two artists performed at Bar do Tom (RJ), with the show “Emílio Santiago & João Donato”. That same year, he traveled to Spain, recorded a bossa nova CD for the Russian market and, in Cuba, recorded the CD “Sexto Sentido”. Also in 2004, he took over the musical production of the CD “Tita e Edson” (Lumiar Discos). He performed alongside American saxophonist Bud Shank at the Chivas Jazz Festival (RJ). Also in 2004, he performed alongside Johnny Alf, Carlos Lyra, Roberto Menescal, Wanda Sá, Leny Andrade, Pery Ribeiro, Durval Ferreira, Eliane Elias, Marcos Valle, Os Cariocas and Bossacucanova, in the show “Bossa Nova in Concert ”, held in Canecão (RJ). The show was hosted by Miele and featured a backing band formed by Durval Ferreira (guitar), Adriano Giffoni (bass), Marcio Bahia (drums), Fernando Merlino (keyboards), Ricardo Pontes (sax and flute) and Jessé Sadoc ( trumpet), conception and artistic direction by Solange Kafuri, musical direction by Roberto Menescal, research and texts by Heloisa Tapajós, sets by Ney Madeira and Lídia Kosovski, and projections by Sílvio Braga.

In 2005, he released his first DVD, “Donatural – João Donato ao vivo”, with Leila Pinheiro, Joyce, Emílio Santiago, Angela Rô Rô and Gilberto Gil among his guests, and with a backing band formed by Robertinho Silva (drums). , Luiz Alves (acoustic and electric bass), Cidinho (percussion), Jessé Sadoc (trumpet and flugelhorn), Ricardo Pontes (sax and flute) and Donatinho (keyboards). That same year, he performed at the Songbook Café (RJ) and participated in the second presentation of the show “Bossa Nova in Concert”, at Parque dos Patins (RJ). Also in 2005, he performed at the launch of the DVD “Donatural” at Teatro Rival (RJ), with the participation of Leila Pinheiro and Marcelinho Da Lua.

In 2006, he launched, with Paulo Moura, the CD “Dois Panos para Manga”, conceived in a meeting at the home of TV director Mario Manga. On this occasion, the two artists were suggested to record an album that would record some of the themes enjoyed by the Sinatra-Farney Fan Club's visitors in the 1950s. In the repertoire, their song “Minha saudade” (with João Gilberto), in addition “On a Slow Boat to China” (Frank Loesser), “Swanee” (George and Ira Gershwin), “That Old Black Magic” (Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer), “Tenderly” (Walter Gross and Jack Lawrence), “Saudade mata a nos” (Antonio Almeida and João de Barro), “Copacabana” (Alberto Ribeiro and João de Barro) and even “Pixinguinha no Arpoador” and “Sopapo”, two unpublished compositions signed by the two artists.

As an arranger, the CDs “O homem de Aquarius”, by Tom Jobim, and “Minha saudade”, by Lisa Ono, stand out among his works, in addition to records by Fagner, Gal Costa and Martinho da Vila.

In 2006, he performed with Bud Shank at Mistura Fina (RJ). The meeting was recorded by directors Renato Martins and Felipe Nepomuceno.

The following year, he released the CD “An afternoon with Bud Shank and João Donato”, recorded on May 8th and 2004 at Studio Verde (RJ). The disc marked the musical reunion of the two artists after 30 years (they played together in 1965, in the United States). Also participating in the album, in some tracks, Luis Alves (bass), Robertinho Silva (drums) and Eloir de Moraes (percussion). In the repertoire, songs by João Donato, “Open Gaiolas” (w/ Martinho da Vila), “Joana” (w/ Ronaldo Bastos) and “Minha saudade” (w/ João Gilberto), in addition to “Night and day”, “ Black orchid” (Cal Tjader), “But not for me (G. Gershwin and I. Gershwin), “There will never be another you” (M. Gordon and H. Warren) and “Yesterdays” (Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach ).

In 2008, he released the DVD “Ao vivo no Rio de Janeiro”, recording the musical encounter with Bud Shank at Mistura Fina two years earlier. In the repertoire, “Carousels' and “Lotus Bud”, both by Bud Shank and Linda Shank, “Wildflower's lullaby (Bud Shank), “Eager Beaver” and “Fascinating Rhythm”, both by Stan Kenton, “Lover Man – Oh, where can you be” (Jimmy Davis, Roger “Ram” Ramirez and James Sherman), “Summertime” (George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward and Dorothy Heyward), “Night and Day” (Cole Porter) and “Manhã de Carnaval” (Antonio Maria and Luiz Bonfá), as well as “Minha saudade”, from his partnership with João Gilberto). In the extras, “Fascinating Rhythm”, “Summertime and “Night and Day”. That same year, he participated in the show “Bossa nova 50 anos”, held on Ipanema Beach, in Rio de Janeiro. Also in the cast, Carlos Lyra, Roberto Menescal, Oscar Castro Neves, Wanda Sá, Leila Pinheiro, Emílio Santiago, Zimbo Trio, Leny Andrade, Maria Rita, Fernanda Takai, Joyce, Marcos Valle and Patrícia Alvi, Bossacucanova and Cris Delanno. The show, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of bossa nova, and also celebrating the anniversary of the city of Rio de Janeiro, was conceived and directed by Solange Kafuri, musically directed by Roberto Menescal and Oscar Castro Neves, research and texts by Heloisa Tapajós, and presentation by Miele and Thalma de Freitas. Also in 2008, he recorded, with Raul de Souza, Luiz Alves and Robertinho Silva, the CD “Bossa Eternal”, which had a launch show at Mistura Fina (RJ). That same year, he performed again alongside Raul de Souza, Luiz Alves and Robertinho Silva, in the project “Sarau da Pedra”, carried out by Repsol at the Cravo Albin Cultural Institute, with production by Heloisa Tapajós and Andrea Noronha. Also in that year, he released, with Carlos Lyra, Roberto Menescal and Marcos Valle, the CD “Os Bossa Nova”, containing his songs “De um homem diferent” and “Até quem saber”, both with Lysias Ênio, “A cara do Rio ” (w/ Roberto Menescal) and “Entardecendo” (w/ Marcos Valle), as well as “Samba do Carioca” (Carlos Lyra and Vinicius de Moraes), “Until the end” (Carlos Lyra and Marcos Valle), “Sextante” (Carlos Lyra), “Gente” (Marcos Valle and Paulo Sérgio Valle), “Vagmente” (Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli), “Ciúme” (Carlos Lyra), “Balansamba” (Roberto Menescal and Ronaldo Bôscoli), “Bossa entre friends” (Roberto Menescal and Marcos Valle), “Tereza da praia” (Tom Jobim and Billy Blanco), is singing in a duet with Roberto Menescal, and the medley “Bewitched, bothered and bewildered” (Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart), ” This look of yours” (Tom Jobim), “Only in your arms” (Tom Jobim). The musicians Jorge Helder (bass), Paulo Braga (drums), Jessé Sadoc (trumpet), Dirceu Leite (sax and flute), Jaques Morelenbaum (cello) and Carlos Bala (drums) also participated in the album.

In 2009, he performed at Teatro Rival (RJ), with the repertoire of the album “A bad Donato”, recorded in 1972, in the United States. The show was included in the list “The Best Shows of 2009” by the newspaper “O Globo”, published at the end of the year.

In 2010, he released the CD “Sambolero”, with Luiz Alves (bass) and Robertinho Silva (drums) by his side. The album, which featured the participation of Zeca Pagodinho, on the track “Sambou, Sambou”, the only one with vocals, and also Sidinho (percussion on “Surpresa”) and Ricardo Pontes (flute on “Lugar Comum”), was awarded with the Latin Grammy, in the Best Latin Jazz Album category. That same year, he inaugurated, at Espaço Tom Jobim (RJ), the “Circuito Bossa Nova”, showing the album’s repertoire. In partnership with Paula Morelenbaum, he released, also in 2010, the CD “Água”, containing his songs “Flor de maracujá”, “Coffee with bread”, “Very comfortable”, “Mentiras” and “And much more”, all with Lysias Ênio, “Lugar comum”, “A paz” and “Tudo tem”, all with Gilberto Gil, “A rã” (w/ Caetano Veloso), “Ahiê” (w/ Paulo César Pinheiro), “Entre amigos” (w/ Mongo Santamaria) and “Everyday” (w/ Norman Gimbel). That same year, he shared the stage at Espaço Tom Jobim in Jardim Botânico (RJ) with João Donato, in a concert to launch the CD “Água”. The show featured the participation of the group Paraphernalia. Also in 2010, he received the Latin Academy Grammy Award for Musical Excellence.

The list of performers of his songs includes artists such as Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Tim Maia, Leny Andrade, Walter Wanderley, Nara Leão, Roberto Menescal, Luís Carlos Vinhas, Milton Banana, Luiz Eça, Tito Madi, Maysa, Dóris Monteiro, Raul de Souza, Tamba Trio, Victor Assis Brasil, Maogani, Joyce, Bebel Gilberto, Os Cariocas, Simone, Fafá de Belém, Miúcha, Fagner, Leila Pinheiro, Baden Powell, Ithamara Koorax, Lisa Ono, Zizi Possi, Adriana Calcanhoto , Angela Ro Ro and Nana Caymmi and Leo Gandelman, among others.

Sharing the stage with the singer Maíra Freitas, he performed in 2011 at the Oi Futuro space (RJ), through the project “A Bossa do Samba”, conceived and directed by Solange Kafuri, curated by Rildo Hora and Marco Antonio Bompet, arrangements and musical direction by Itamar Assiere, video presentation by Tárik de Souza, research by Heloisa Tapajós, general coordination and production direction by Giselle Kafuri, and executive production by Humberto Braga. The show featured Marcio Almeida (guitar), Jorge Helder (bass), Zé Canuto (sax and flute) and Robertinho Silva (drums).

In 2012, he performed at Studio RJ (RJ), within the series “Noite Jazzmania”, accompanied by Luiz Alves (bass), Ricardo Pontes (sax and flute) and Robertinho Silva (drums). That same year, he shared the stage at Teatro Sesc Ginástico with his son Donatinho. Also in 2012, he released, in partnership with Joyce, the CD “Aquarius”, with his songs “No Fundo do Mar”, “Luz da Canção” and “E Passa o Carrossel”, partnerships between both, and “Amazonas, Pt. 2” (with Arnaldo Antunes and Péricles Cavalcanti), as well as “Chama o Donato” (Jorge Helder and Joyce) and even “Caymmi visita Tom”, “Tardes cariocas” and “Guarulhos Cha Cha Cha”, all by Joyce, among others. Also in 2012, he released, in partnership with Joyce, the CD “Aquarius”, with his songs “No Fundo do Mar”, “Luz da Canção” and “E Passa o Carrossel”, partnerships between both, and “Amazonas, Pt. 2” (with Arnaldo Antunes and Péricles Cavalcanti), as well as “Chama o Donato” (Jorge Helder and Joyce) and even “Caymmi visita Tom”, “Tardes cariocas” and “Guarulhos Cha Cha Cha”, all by Joyce, among others.

In 2013, he was nominated for the Brazilian Music Award, in the Best Song category, with "I don't know your whole name", from his partnership with João Bosco and Francisco Bosco, included on the CD "40 years later", by João Bosco. That same year, he performed at Studio RJ, for the recording of a live CD, “Donato Jazz”, with the trio formed by Luiz Alves (bass), Ricardo Pontes (sax and flute) and Robertinho Silva (drums). In the repertoire, partnerships with Gabriel Moura, Nelson Motta, Moacyr Luz and Ronaldo Bastos, in addition to Tom Jobim (“When the memory comes to me”).

In 2014 he performed at Espaço Furnas, in Rio de Janeiro, in a show that celebrated his 80 years of life and 65 of his career. He played accompanied by musicians Luiz Alves (double bass), Robertinho Silva (drums) and Ricardo Pontes (wind instruments).

The concert gave rise to the albums “Live Jazz in Rio”, volumes 1 and 2. The CDs had as some of the compositions the already known “Nasci para bailar” and “Emoriô” and the new ones “Porai” (with Moacyr Luz) and “Digital Bolero” (with Nelson Motta). The release of the work relied on a marketing strategy employed by the artist: only volume 1 was made available for sale on the market; volume 2 could only be purchased at their concerts.

In 2016, he released the album “Donato Elétrico” with, as the title suggests, an electric sound brought by musicians Fender Rhodes, Farfisa, Clavinet, Pro-One and Moog. With production by Ronaldo Evangelista, the album was composed of 10 tracks: “Here´s J. D.”, “Urbano”, “Frequência de onda”, “Espalhado”, “Tartaruga”, “Soneca do marreco”, “Combustão spontaneous”, “Resort”, “Xaxado de Hércules” and “G8”. After 14 years, the musician released a CD of unpublished songs again and, according to critics, he did very well in all the sound experiments that the work proposed.

In December, the CD was on the list of the best albums of the year selected by the newspaper O Globo. According to the review published at the time of release "it is an album that Daft Punk and Kendrick Lamar would listen to with a smile on their face".

In 2017, he debuted at Sala Baden Powell, in Rio de Janeiro, an artistic residency, a project created by Ivone Belem and named “Toda esse bossa”. The proposal was to occupy the space throughout the year, varying the guests and the musical style. At the premiere, Moacyr Luz, Tulipa Ruiz, Bnegão and Donatinho. The repertoire, in his own words, brought only “music to shake the hips”.

Also in 2017, he released the album “Sintetizamor”, through the Deck Disc label, in partnership with his son, Donatinho. The work of 10 unreleased tracks featured compositions in partnership with Donatinho and other authors, in addition to special guest appearances. The songs included on the CD were “De all the way” (w/ Donatinho and Davi Moraes), “Surreal” (w/ Donatinho, Domenico Lancelotti and Julia Bosco), “Quem é quem” (w/ Donatinho and Jean Kuperman), “Interstellar” (w/ Donatinho, Davi Moraes and Gabriela Riley), “Lei do amor” (w/ Donatinho and Rogê), “Climate flirting” (w/ Donatinho), “Luz negra” (w/ Donatinho and Jonas Sá ), “Let's go out French style” (w/ Donatinho and Ronaldo Bastos), “Ilusion of us” (w/ Donatinho and João Capdeville) and “Hao chi” (w/ Donatinho). The arrangements and musical production of the record were by Donatinho. Soon after, still in 2017, he performed the album “Bluchanga” (2014), at Sala Baden Powell, in Copacabana, South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. The show featured versions of classic world jazz themes such as “Morning” (Clare Fisher) and “The Mochican and the great spirit” (Horace Silver), in addition to songs written in 1960, when it was one of the attractions of the Jazz club. Trident, in Sausualito, California, where he shared the stage with names like Chet Baker and Bud Shank. The night also had a special appearance by Angela Ro Ro.

In February 2018, alongside his son, Donatinho, he performed in Rio de Janeiro at Bar dos Descasados, in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. The repertoire included songs from the Sintetizamor album, with the special appearances of Domenico Lancellotii, Rogê and David Moraes. They also performed the songs Lei do Amor, Luz Negra and Idições de Nós, in addition to the great classics of their career and songs from the album Zambê, Donatinho's award-winning authorial work. Later that year, he released three more unpublished albums, which were recorded in Brazil between 1978 and 1989, but never released. With a title that plays on the name of the North American album “A mad Donato” (1970), one of the most revered albums of his work, the “A mad Donato” box presented albums recorded in a period of lesser visibility of his: “Enjoying a Existence” (1978), “Naquela Base” (1988) and “Janela da Urca” (1989), and was the result of research initiated by producer Marcelo Fróes in the artist’s collection. In addition to the three albums, the CD box included an unprecedented collection of rare recordings with artists such as Alaíde Costa and Djavan.

In 2018, his first work album to have lyrics, “Quem é Quem” (1973), won a national tour. The disc was recorded and conceived with orchestrations by Lindolpho Gaya, Dori Caymmi, Ian Guest and Laércio de Freitas. At the time, the record had no investment from the Odeon label in distribution and promotion, and ended up without a release show. The show was part of the series “Historical Discs of MPB” at the Baden Powell room and was conceived and presented by Arnaldo De Souteiro, with the participation of Wanda Sá, Arthur Verocai and Leny Andrade.

In 2019, in celebration of his 70 years of career, he performed in a series of shows in Rio de Janeiro. On the occasion, he invited the carnival block from Cordão do Boitatá because it was a pre-carnival date. The band that accompanied him was formed by Robertinho Silva (drums), Luiz Alves (double bass), Ricardo Pontes (flute and saxophone) and José Arimatéa (trumpet). The repertoire included songs such as “A rã” (with Caetano Veloso), “I was born to dance” (with Paulo Andre Barata), “Bananeira” (with Gilberto Gil), as well as songs from his album “Donato Elétrico” (2016) and “Sintetizador” (2017), which he recorded with his son Donatinho. There were also songs by other composers such as “Coisa nº4” (Moacir Santos) and “Xodó” (Dominguinhos). Also in 2019, he performed at a benefit show alongside Roberto Menescal, Carlos Lyra and Marcos Valle at Parque Lage (RJ). The repertoire was formed by unpublished songs in addition to great classics. DJ Marcelinho da Lua and Rodrigo Sha also performed on the occasion.

In October 2021, he released, with Jards Macalé, on the Rocinante label, the album “Síntese do Lance”. The partnership between the musicians had Jards Macalé on voice and guitar and João Donato on voice and piano. The two were accompanied by Guto Wirtti (acoustic bass), José Arimatéa (trumpet), Kainã do Jêje (drums), Luizinho do Jêje (percussion), Marlon Sette (trombone) and Neném da cuíca (percussion). The songs recorded on the album were Côco Taxi (João Donato and Jards Macalé), Dona Castorina (João Donato), Yesterday and Today (Jards Macalé and Sylvio Fraga), Cururu (Marlon Sette and Sylvio Fraga), João Duke (Jards Macalé), Synthesis of the move (João Donato and Marlon Sette / Adaptation of a popular song), Saffron (João Donato, Marlon Sette and Sylvio Fraga), A hug from João (Jards Macalé and Joyce Moreno), Love Comes from Peace (Jards Macalé and Ronaldo Bastos) and Lídice (Jards Macalé). The album was produced by Marlon Sette, Sylvio Fraga and Pepê Monnerat; recorded by Pepê Monnerat, Edu Costa and Bráulio Passos at Estúdio Rocinante; mixed by Pepê Monnerat at Estúdio Rocinante and mastered by Alexandre Rabaço. The album spawned an eponymous show that was performed in 2021 and 2022.

In August 2022, he released “Serotonina”. The starting point for the album was a proposal by music producer Ronaldo Evangelista, who made a selection of musical manuscripts and demo tapes by the musician, reaching ten songs that were finished by João Donato. Afterwards, Evangelista invited some composers to write the lyrics, such as Rodrigo Amarante, Mauricio Pereira, Felipe Cordeiro, Jorge Andrade, Céu and Arruda. In addition to Donato on the Fender Rhodes piano, Allan Abbadia (trombone), Bruno Buarque (drums and percussion), Fábio Buarque (acoustic bass) and Will Bone (flute and trumpet) played on the work. Mixing was done by Gustavo Lenza, Alexandre Kassin and Bruno Buarque. The arrangements were by João Donato with production by Ronaldo Evangelista. Mastering was by Felipe Tichauer. In addition to “Serotonina” (João Donato), the songs “Floriu” (João Donato and Céu), “Azul Royal” (João Donato and Maurício Pereira), “Simbora” (Donato and Anastácia), “Doce de Amora” (João Donato and arruda), “Órbita” (João Donato and Ronaldo Evangelista), “Bonsbons” (João Donato and Ronaldo Evangelista), “Estrela do Mar” (Donato and Rodrigo Amarante), “I Like You” (João Donato, Felipe Cordeiro and Jorge Andrade), “Prata” (João Donato and Ronaldo Evangelista).

João Donato lived in the Urca neighborhood, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. He has been married to journalist Ivone Belem since 2001. He is the father of Jodel, Joana and Donatinho.

01 / JOAO DONATO / CHA DANÇANTE . 1956.

Calidad Mp3 192 Kbps.

TRACKS :

01 - Comigo É Assim 2:21

02 - No Rancho Fundo 2:24

03 - Se Acaso Você Chegasse 2:57

04 - Carinhoso 2:57

05 - Baião 2:42

06 - Peguei Um Ita No Norte 2:53

07 - Farinhada 2:42

08 - Baião Da Garoa 3:08

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