Estrada do Sol

“Estrada do Sol” - Road to the Sun, a journey that encompasses hundreds of years of musical enlightenment. A listening experience augmented with intimate performances that will allow 

us to re-establish our bonds with the earth, the elements, and ourselves. The exceptional artists that will contribute to this series are sensitive to these mysterious relationships through their music. There is an immediate affinity for all things from the heart, an authenticity that sings to an individual’s spirit and revitalizes the dream of life. This passion is the essence of Latin American music.“Estrada do Sol” is the title for a proposed video series featuring musicians from South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the Iberian peninsula. Loosely based on the role that the guitar has played in Latin American culture, the series would have featured live recordings and interviews with Latin American musicians and composers. “Estrada do Sol” was created by Ben Kinsley, Brian MacAward, Gerry Putnam, and Jeff Roos. The original pilot featured the great Brazilian guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Here is our original pitch for the series:

For years, Latin American music has profoundly influenced jazz and popular music through the world with its contagious energy and emotion. However, it is only recently that those cultural contributions have received popular global attention. This awakening has created an awareness and interest to the vibrancy and excitement of Latin American music. It is intended that this series capture the emerging enchantment of this beautiful art form.

The fusion of the African folkloric traditions and the classical influences that sailed from the Iberian Peninsula fused together in Latin America. The blending of these two elements with the indigenous rhythms of the rain forest created music nothing short of magical. The intimate connection between the environment and the soul is heard in each note, and echoed in each silence. Sophisticated rhythms. impressionistic harmonies, and haunting lyricism are part of the rich musical language that has nurtured the artists to be featured on “Estrada do Sol.”

Like a new period of discovery, “Estrada do Sol” will be immersed in the diversity of cultures that envelop Latin America music. Many of the artists have combined elements from very diverse musical styles to create new, unique listening experiences. These explorations will define the future of world music, and make the “Road to the Sun” a truly inspiring and memorable series.”

Although “Estrada do Sol” never got enough financial backing to go further than the pilot episode, we did receive letters of intent to participate from Badi Assad, Paulo Bellinati, Monica Salmaso, Sharon Isbin, and the Portuguese ensemble, Madredeus.

We also received letters of intent from two true luminaries of Brazilian popular music - Marisa Monte and Carlinhos Brown. Below is an excerpt as well as the complete pilot for “Estrada do Sol” featuring the now late Brazilian guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima.