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Nós Novo

Nós Novo is a innovative quartet of jazz musicians who are exploring Celtic music with Afro-Brazilian grooves and open-ended improvisation. Led by vibist/percussionist James Shipp, the group seeks to open up the music of Ireland the same way Dizzy Gillespie did with Cuban music, and John Zorn did with the music of the Jewish diaspora.

The members of the band are:

James Shipp: vibes, percussion, shruti boxes, compositions, arrangements

Jo Lawry: vocals, mandolin, fiddle, melodica

Gilad Hekselman: guitar

Rogerio Boccato: percussion

The band has also featured the talents of:

Keith Ganz: played guitar on "Strange Sweethearts..." and made lasting contributions to the sound of the band

Kate McGarry: sang on "As I Roved Out" and "Fold"

Becca Stevens: frequent special guest on vocals and charango/ukulele

Nos Novo, Featuring James Shipp and Jo Lawry, Kicks Off New Music Series "This is Irish Music"

Source: Michael Ricci
February 17, 2010

With Strange Sweethearts in America Evening Features Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter Becca Stevens as a Special Guest New York, New York -- The Irish Arts Center is proud to launch their new music series THIS IS IRISH MUSIC with the Celtic/Brazilian/Jazz fusion band Nos Novo, featuring Jo Lawry and James Shipp. THIS IS IRISH MUSIC: NOS NOVO'S STRANGE SWEETHEARTS IN AMERICA performs on Thursday, March 11 at 8 PM at the Irish Arts Center (553 West 51st Street, between 10th and 11th ...
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“Nós Novo offers a worldly mix of sea shanties, Celtic reels and airs, Brazilian soul and jazz spirit, played via a mix of strings and percussion instruments and the soaring voice of singer Jo Lawry. More amazing than the boldness of the mix is the seamlessness with which it all comes together on the band’s lovely new debut album…”

--Time Out New York

“…a striking new album, ‘Strange Sweethearts in America,’ which advances a jazz-based take on traditional Celtic music,”

--Nate Chinen, the New York Times

“Strange Sweethearts in America is a refreshing blend of Irish, Brazilian music and jazz that really works wonderfully. The arrangements are unique, the playing and singing are superb, and the disc is filled with unbridled joy. A real treat all around.”