Forró in the Dark is a clubby Brazilian forro band in New York City. Their home ground is Nublu in the East Village where they have often played Nublu’s Wednesday night Brazil party.
Forro in the Dark Albums
The band released its latest album Sandcastle on Nacional Records on April 21, 2017.
Forro in the Dark makes Clubby Forro
Forró in the Dark have been together since 2002. The band grew out of a jam session at Nublu, a late-night club in the East Village. For years, they anchored Wednesday night’s Brazilian night at Nublu.
The current lineup is Mauro Refosco (zabumba, percussion), Guilherme Monteiro (guitar), and Jorge Continentino (pífanos, flutes, saxophones). All the guys play on a variety of music projects. Mauro records and tours with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Continentino is New York City’s top Brazilian flute player.
What most sticks in the mind about Forró in the Dark is Refosco’s driving beat and singing triangle. Monteiro takes the place of the traditional accordion. On top of that you get Continentino’s happy melodies. A variety of guest singers makes for really fun music with some unexpected touches.
On the band’s debut album Bonfires of São João (2006), you can hear guest performances by David Byrne of Talking Heads, Bebel Gilberto, the queen of electronic Bossa Nova, and a surprisingly wonderful take with Japanese singer Miho Hatori.
2009’s Light a Candle includes vocals by Sabina Sciubba of Brazilian Girls, another band that came of of Nublu back in the day.
In fact, Forró in the Dark really carries that Nublu flavor of experimental international Jazz.
Forro is Dance Party Music
Forró is summer party music from Northeastern Brazil. In the old days parties were associated with religious festivals. Today Forró is popular all over Brazil and in Paris, France too.
Forró is danced in a four-count rhythm with an emphasis on the fourth beat that is similar to Dominican Bachata. Forró has a typical ballroom hold, but the connection is between the legs on the inner thigh. Dancing with a good Forró dancer can be a rather pleasant surprise. It’s really fun.
Forro in the Dark in New York City
Forro in the Dark. Courtesy of Vladimir Radojicic / the artists.
The band is often in residency at Nublu in Manhattan’s East Village Wednesday nights with sets at 10 pm and 12 midnight.
Past Forro in the Dark Concerts
The band plays a free concert at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 7:30pm.
The band opens for Brazilian Samba legend Elza Soares for the Red Bull Music Academy Festival at The Town Hall in Midtown, Friday, May 19 at 8pm.
The band plays Brasil Summerfest at the Brooklyn Public Library in Prospect Park Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 6:30pm. Free
For more information visit www.ForroInTheDark.com