Heart of the Band’s Rhythm
Dynamic and forceful, the ever-present creative sounds of Dennis Sheridan are the heart of Brazil and Beyond’s rhythm. In addition, the percussionist excites the eye as well as the ear with a raft of colorful, intricately patterned, unique-sounding accessories. With expertise on every major percussion instrument, Dennis excels in defining the Brazil sound.
Not surprisingly, the world’s foremost world percussionist, Naná Vasconcelos, is one of Dennis’ major musical influences. In his formative years, Dennis was drawn into a broad musical palette of styles that ranged from classical, jazz, Motown and Latin to the distinctive East Indies sound. Among his teachers were Rajin (tabla), Skip Burney (congas), Maruga Sharma (world) and Frank Isola (jazz).
Now a most active performer, Dennis excels at his craft on every CD the group has released. Chris Collins, Sheila Landis, Larry Nozero, Dave McMurray, and Blackman and Arnold are artists with whom Dennis has recorded. He has also performed with jazz singer Angela Bofil, the Drifters, the Great Pretenders, and with artists Joey Vann, Bowzer and Gaylord & Holiday.
Among the many percussion instruments in Dennis’ bag of sounds are the agogô, tamborim, berimbau, cuíca, shaker, surdo drum, congas, pandeiro, bongos, rainstick, chimes, zabumba, cuxixi and jingles.