Chapter 3: Rio, Rhythm, and Running
Part of the joy and excitement behind exploring the connection between rhythm and running is being able to share it with like-minded individuals. Sharing my passions with Odin in Brazil was a dream come true. Little did I know that my musical pursuits at the University of Colorado would lead me down the path I am on now. Brazilian percussion always fascinated me ever since my teacher Carl Dixon introduced me to it eight years ago. From playing in the Brazillian Bateria and studying Samba to including this genre of music as a significant portion of my senior thesis. I wasn't sure where this musical pull was taking me, but now it’s very clear. Sometimes ideas present itself when you least expect them. That being said, I had no idea it would evolve into a continuation of a multi-year project that Thomas Woodson and myself created; Tempo.
For those new to the project. Tempo is a conceptual exploration of the connections between running and percussion, expressed through a live score in a visceral interpretation of musical movements.
To watch the film or learn more. Click here
Tempo: Movements in Mountains was the launchpad for something extraordinary. This idea took us to Brazil, where we created the sequel to the original film. Only this time, it was "Movements in Jungle." We traded the sandstone slabs of the Flatirons for Rio de Janeiro and Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca), which protects the largest and most prominent man-made urban Jungle in the world, with a 3.953ha extension of Rainforest. The park is home to 328 species of animals, including amphibians, birds, and mammals, some of which are in danger of extinction. Playing music and running with Odin was a full-circle momenent for me and a standout memory I will never forget for the rest of my life. It felt like the culmination of a lot of my practice and pursuits coming together in perfect unison, surrounded by my best friends and with the support from my main sponsor, Black Diamond.
We traded the drumset in the studio with pandeiro and tamborim in the streets—Jazz to Samba. A new character and a new story.
Stay tuned for Tempo 2: Movements in Jungle feat: Odin Aguiar.
Where will we go next?