On that crazy day, the one who showed up in the studio unexpectedly was producer Mário Caldato Jr. (of Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson), who ended spending the rest of those days with us as he was on vacation in Brazil. He went crazy about Chico. When we finished mixing, it was a blast. We hosted an audition and celebrated the outcome. The mission had been accomplished. I bought a Dom Perignon champagne and we had a toast, everyone in the kitchen of the Soul City, my production company, with cups in hand and small tots for we were nine. Cheers! With the record in my hands, Chico and I flew to Los Angeles and New York, where we ourselves showed the songs to David Byrne, from Luaka Bop record company. We were applauded and received an invitation to release the record in Europe, Japan, and the United States. Unfortunately, the Brazilian label, having another priority in those territories, kept their eyes glued to it. The Afrociberdelia release took place counting on artists like Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan. It was a big mistake. I played the Afrociberdelia CD to listen while I was writing this text and got moved when I remembered the recording sessions, the feelings, and the courage we had along the whole process of this work. How the record is updated and is ahead of its time! I listen to several details in the arrangement and interludes, with experimentations and lots of trips. And the very truth above all. Today I can very well recall my talks with Chico about how to prepare the kids - the generation interested in music and that was on their way - for what was coming next. I am sure that, somehow, we made it with the powerful and timeless Afrociberdelia. Thank you, Chico, for the opportunity, for the friendship, and for the trust. And for having opened this door that today is my life and my work, with much love and pride.
Eduardo BiD is a musician, music producer, and a father with a family. He works in his production company Soul City (www.soulcity.com.br) and lives in São Paulo. He produced the Afrociberdelia CD, a challenge in the attempt to capture the sound of the alfaias, typical maracatu drums. The experience was considered “astounding” by those who went through it