Meet Our Community
eMPathia Jazz Duo Brazil
Comprised of Brazil-based vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi and guitarist Paul Ricci, the eMPathia Jazz Duo specializes in interpreting popular songs from Brazil, Italy, France and the USA through a jazz lens. The duo have appeared in venues around the world including the legendary Birdland jazz club in New York City. Their previous International Jazz Day performances in 2016 and 2017 have enthralled audiences in Porto S. Elpidio, Italy and Bremen, Germany. Read on to learn why Minnozzi and Ricci believe the universal quality of jazz is so important.
“Jazz has served as a guide and example of greatness in the struggle of life.”
What does jazz music mean to you? To your community?
First of all, dignity. Jazz has served as a guide and example of greatness in the struggle of life. Unlike other “folk” music, the integration of African and classical music has elevated the language to a plateau where ALL people can and do relate to it. The amazing thing is that it is an individual expression but it is universal. It means that we all can talk to each other beyond any barrier.
Why are you celebrating International Jazz Day? Why is it important?
Because it’s a chance for others to do what we do every day–celebrate jazz! Because as much as we see reports of the decline of jazz’s popularity in the USA, we also see the strength and beauty of jazz and we believe it is the one true language to bring all cultures together. Every city that we play at in Brazil and Europe has a jazz club. International Jazz Day will be an important factor in the development of our musical and spiritual future.
What would you like to see happen through this day – short term and long term?
Short term? A celebration! Long term? An inspiration to all, especially the young, that can be born out of that celebration. We must cut through the barriers that mass-produced, consumer-driven markets have created against the dignified art of self-expression that jazz presents as an alternative. The more we can preserve that spirit of celebration, the stronger and longer we will walk. Thank you, Jazz Day!
