Oscar! by Oscar Castro-Neves

Paul Winter met Oscar Castro-Neves in Rio de Janeiro in 1962 during a tour of Latin America with his college jazz sextet. Oscar was one of the seminal composers and musicians creating the new movement in Brazilian music that would become known worldwide as “bossa nova.” Later that same year, Oscar brought this new music to New York City as the musical director of the first bossa nova concerts presented at Carnegie Hall. He eventually settled in California, working with Sergio Mendes’ band and composing scores for such films as Gabriela and Blame it on Rio. Over the years, Oscar toured with the Consort many times and co-produced a number of Living Music albums such as Common Ground and Missa Gaia/Earthmass. He was accepted as an honorary life member of the Paul Winter Consort. Paul Winter says about him, “Troubadour and trickster, he is an irresistible catalyst in any musical situation. For all of us who know Oscar, just the mention of his name makes us smile. He brings us back to the joy of being alive.” Oscar! is Oscar Castro-Neves’ debut solo album.

℗ 1987 Earth Music Productions

Paul Winter is a seven-time Grammy-winning saxophonist, whose sextet was the first jazz group to perform at the White House in 1962. His second group, the Paul Winter Consort, interweaves sounds from the natural world with classical and ethnic traditions, and the spontaneous spirit of jazz. Their annual Winter Solstice Celebrations and Earth Mass are among the most popular events in New York.

paulwinter.com