If you’re only casually familiar with famed Brazilian singer Seu Jorge, odds are it’s for his memorable and iconic role in classic Wes Anderson film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. While Jorge’s extensive and eclectic work definitely warrants exploration beyond his David Bowie cover contributions to that movie, his unparalleled ability to tackle the late singer’s tunes in a personal and unique way, and in Portuguese no less, remains, perhaps, his most impressive artistic achievement. In memory of Bowie’s passing, Jorge is on the road, performing his material from The Life Aquatic in tribute, with a show centered around his role and the imagery from the film. Quirky and heartfelt, it’s a unique way to pay tribute to a legend, while soaking up one of Brazil’s most gifted modern imports, and revisiting one of the best elements of one of the best cult films of the ’00s. If that combo sounds like your cup of tea, tickets to Seu Jorge’s outing tonight, Dec. 9 at Marathon Music Works, seemingly his first Nashville show ever, are available here. Read more about the show below!
Born in the poor outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian singer-songwriter Seu Jorge developed an early love for music, which he nourished by performing in the streets, spending several years homeless after leaving home at 19. After becoming involved in theater, and subsequently forming a band, Jorge (born Jorge Mário da Silva) kicked off his solo career with 2001’s Samba Esporte Fino (released internationally as Carolina), met with critical acclaim and heralded as one of the most important musicians in helping renew Brazilian pop samba. A 2002 appearance in Brazilian film City of God would soon introduce the multifaceted artist to a wider international audience, but it’s 2004 Wes Anderson cult classic The Life Aquatic, for which Jorge is best known. In it, he plays the character Pelé dos Santos, and incorporates acoustic, personal, reworked Portuguese David Bowie covers throughout, providing much of the film’s soundtrack from within. A collection of these covers, The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions, was released the following year, as was Jorge’s breakout LP of originals, Cru, both helping cement his status as a breakout star. In the decade since, he’s easily become one of the most beloved and successful Brazilian singers in modern history, releasing numerous albums and collaborations, appearing at festivals and even Olympic ceremonies, racking up awards, and continuing to explore new mediums such as fashion design. The Life Aquatic connection, however, has always persisted, and it’s clearly something Seu Jorge holds near and dear as well, as this tour seems to reinhabit both his character and the film, with images projected on sail-like screens and a return to the red hat, blue outfit iconic look. More importantly, though, it gives Jorge a chance to pay tribute to the late David Bowie, an outspoken fan of his work, by keeping his legacy alive in the form of a famous and unique offering of covers. This will surely be a special experience, and one that fans of Bowie, Wes Anderson, and Seu Jorge alike will not want to miss.
Seu Jorge will perform tonight, Dec. 9 at Marathon Music Works. The show is 18+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available to purchase for $35-55.
