Continuous Friendship

"Continuous Friendship" is the first recorded collaboration from two of Brazil's most vital young composers and instrumentalists: 31 year old pianist Andre Mehmari and 32 year old mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda. The CD features a collection of eleven tracks comprised of spirited original compositions and imaginative interpretations of songs by such renowned composers as Enrico Morricone, Guinga, and Egberto Gismondi, as well as three bonus tracks that capture the spontaneity and creativity of the duo's first rehearsal for the recording. Winner of the 1997 VISA MPB prize, Andre Mehmari is considered one of the most talented young musicians in his native Brazil. His activities as pianist, composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist are highly regarded both in popular and classical music. His works have been performed by Brazilian orchestras (OSESP) and chamber ensembles (Sro Paulo String Quartet,) and he continues to impress audiences internationally with his blend of virtuosity and vitality. Latin Grammy nominee (for his Adventure Music release, Brasilianos) Hamilton de Holanda is considered among the greatest virtuosi to ever play the instrument. In just a few years of touring and recording, Hamilton has already performed with some of the top names in acoustic music and jazz. He has worked with Mike Marshall, Hermeto Pascoal, João Bosco, Marco Pereira, Richard Galliano and Cesarea Evora, and has released two CDs on Adventure Music in addition to Brasilianos: New Words, a duet project with Mike Marshall and Intimo, a solo mandolin CD, both to extensive critical acclaim.