Saturday, July 24, 2004

Boa Viagem Snhr Paredes

It has been a truly sad day, as the great Carlos Paredes has passed away at the age of 79. An astounding composer and performer, Carlos was the epitome of class and odd grace. He was the first Portuguese musician I knew by name and the only one I always enjoyed hearing. He had a brilliant command of his instrument (the 12 string Portuguese guitar) and he was sprawling in his skill and approach. I only recently managed to get an album I sought for years, his 80s duet album with jazz bassist Charlie Haden, which calling it brillinat would be a fucking ridiculous understatement.

God bless you Carlos and may heaven greet you with a new set of strings.