It was a full house at Meubles Levac Furniture in Vankleek Hill for Janie Renée and her backing trio of Brazilian-Canadian musicians, as the local jazz artist debuted her new album INESPERADO for a very appreciative audience on Friday evening (March 25).
More than 100 people lounged on sofas and recliners – joining in on the entertainment with hand-held shakers provided by the band and dancing wherever it was possible inside the large open space. The performance also featured a complete Brazilian evening, with Brazilian food and a dancing instructor on hand to teach the Samba.
Backed by three Brazilian musicians who now live in Montreal – Paulo Ramos, Rodrigo Simoes and Aquiles Melo – Renée kept the crowd entertained with beautiful music, stories and sing-a-longs.
“We had fun – that is what counts the most,” said the experienced musician, who was performing for the first time in Vankleek Hill in more than three years. “I’m just glad I could play in my hometown.”
“Home is where you have your roots and where your heart is. When the local people show up it means you’re in the right place at the right time – you’re a part of the community. For me that’s worth a million dollars. This is where I want to be.”
Renée’s new album INESPERADO, which merges her style with Brazilian music, took shape after Renée decided to go back to work on an album project she started during an artistic residency in Brazil. Part of the album was recorded in Brazil and the rest in Canada.
More information on the artist and INESPERADO can be found on the Janie Renée website.
More than 100 people lounged on sofas and recliners, joining in on the entertainment with hand-held shakers provided by the band and dancing wherever it was possible inside the large open space. Photos: Reid Masson
The performance also featured a complete Brazilian evening, with Brazilian food on hand. Photo: Reid Masson
