Rafael Rabello
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Rafael Baptista Rabello (October 31, 1962 - April 27, 1995), was a virtuoso Brazilian guitarist and composer.
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[edit] Early Years
Rabello was born in a musical family: His sister Luciana made a name for herself on the cavaquinho (Brazilian soprano guitar), and his first guitar teacher was an older brother. Eventually moved to private lessons with Jaime Florence (the famous "Meyra", whom had also taught Baden Powell in the 1940's. He switched to the Brazilian seven-string guitar influenced by Dino 7 Cordas. From early age, he was able to command impressive performances and was playing professionally in his teens. His first participation as a sideman was at age 14 on a recording of choros by classical guitarist Turibio Santos.
[edit] Revelation
His most productive years spanned between 1982 and 1995. He was considered by many, to be one of the best guitarists of his generation. He used to play many different styles, but specialised in choro.
He has participated in concerts and recordings with famous Brazilian musicians, such as Tom Jobim, Ney Matogrosso, Jacques Morelenbaum and Paulo Moura, as well as international players, such as Paco de Lucia.
[edit] Final Years
Rabello's health deteriorated quickly in 1995 due to substance abuse. He checked into the Núcleo Integrado de Psiquiatria da Barra da Tijuca, a detox clinic in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the efforts made to clean him up, Rabello fell victim to apnea and died in his sleep on April 27, 1995.
[edit] Legacy
Raphael Rabello's work lives on: He has had two full-length CDs released posthumously and a choro school was named after him.
His latest posthumous release is the project he was working on when he died: a tribute to Lourenço da Fonseca Barbosa, known as Capiba (1904–1997). He was one of the arrangers, is credited as producer, played a lot of guitar and even sang on one of the tracks. The guest-singer list is a veritable "who-is-who" of Brazilian singers: Chico Buarque, Paulinho da Viola, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Maria Bethânia, Alceu Valença, João Bosco, and Ney Matogrosso.
Some guitar players have manifested their opinions about Rabello's talent:
“The best guitarist I’ve heard in years. He has overcome the technical limitations of the instrument, and his music comes unhindered from his soul, straight to the hearts of we who admire him.” — Paco de Lucia
“Raphael Rabello was simply one of the greatest guitarists who has ever lived. His level of insight into the potential of the instrument was matched only by the great Paco de Lucia. He was ‘the’ Brazilian guitarist of our time, in my opinion. His loss at such a young age is an incredible loss, not only for what he already did, but for what he could have done.” — Pat Metheny
“This is the missing CD among Raphael Rabello’s scarce discography. It's like a dream come true to see this CD accomplished—one of the best solo guitar álbums I have listened to. …an important contribution to the Brazilian guitar.” — Paulo Bellinati
“Raphael Rabello was one of the most notorious guitar players of all time. His approach was very expressive and confident, with moving interpretations and exuberant technique. His contribution was essential, leaving one of the richest and most remarkable pages in the history of the Brazilian guitar.” — Marco Pereira
“If the acoustic guitar has once again established itself as the leading instrumental voice of modern Brazilian music, much of the credit can be given to Raphael Rabello…” — Mark Holston, Guitar Player Magazine
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- 1982 - Sete Cordas (Fontana)
- 1984 - Tributo a Garoto" (/w Radamés Gnattali)
- 1987 - Interpreta Radamés Gnattali" (Visom)
- 1988 - Rafael Rabello" (Visom)
- 1990 - A flor da pele" (/w Ney Matogrosso)
- 1991 - Todo sentimento" (/w Elizeth Cardoso) (BMG-RCA)
- 1991 - Raphael Rabello & Dino 7 Cordas" (/w Dino 7 cordas) (Caju Music)
- 1992 - Dois irmãos" (/w Paulo Moura) (Caju Music-Milestone)
- 1992 - Todos os tons" (BMG-RCA)
- 1992 - Shades of Rio" (/w Romero Lubambo) (Chesky Records)
- 1993 - Delicatesse" (/w Déo Rian) (BMG-RCA)
- 1994 - Cry my guitar" (GSP)
- 1994 - Relendo Dilermando Reis" (RGE)
- 1997 - Em concerto" (/w Armandinho) (live) (Spotlight)
- 2002 - Raphael Rabello & Guests: Mestre Capiba por Raphael Rabello e Convidados (Acari Records)
