Historical Background
Composed in 1929 by Fats Waller with lyrics by Andy Razaf, Black and Blue is one of the earliest and most poignant songs to confront the pain of racial injustice in America. Originally written for the Broadway revue Hot Chocolates, the song transcended its theatrical context to become a jazz standard of profound emotional and cultural weight. Louis Armstrong’s 1929 recording turned it into a haunting anthem of sorrow and dignity, expressing the isolation and weariness of being judged by one’s appearance. Its harmonic depth, lyrical gravity, and melodic richness have made it a lasting cornerstone of the jazz repertoire.

About the Arrangement
This arrangement by the Ricardo Farão  offers a poignant and atmospheric interpretation of Black and Blue, placing expressive subtlety at its core. The piece unfolds as a dialogue between a soulful trombone and a smooth clarinet, which alternate in phrasing and tonal shading. The classical guitar enters with lyrical, improvisatory lines, weaving melodic threads that gently float above the harmonic landscape.

There are no drums — the rhythmic drive is entrusted to the bass, which joins after the initial exposition and carries both the pulse and harmonic grounding with fluid, legato phrasing and offbeat emphasis. The harmonic structure makes use of minor 7ths, dominant 9ths, and chromatic movement, evoking both the traditional blues structure and modern jazz sensibility. The result is a chamber-like, emotionally introspective rendition that pays homage to Waller’s original pathos while exploring new expressive textures.

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More arrangements available at https://ricardofarao.com
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Black and Blue - F. Waller

Composed by Claude Rouse, Bitter-Sweet is a hidden gem among early jazz standards, dating back to the 1920s—a period known for innovation, the blues, and bittersweet romanticism in music. The song’s title perfectly encapsulates its mood: a blend of longing, nostalgia, and gentle optimism. It evokes the atmosphere of smoky ballrooms and late-night café scenes, where melody and melancholy walk hand in hand.

Bitter-Sweet stands out for its elegantly balanced melody and subtle, blues-tinged harmony. Its structure typically combines verses in a major key with a refrain that dips into the minor, providing emotional contrast. Though less recorded than some other standards, the tune has gained new life in the hands of modern interpreters—its introspective character making it a favorite among jazz guitarists and chamber-style ensembles.

The song’s charm lies in its simplicity and emotional directness, inviting listeners to reflect on life’s mixed emotions: joy colored by regret, happiness tinged with yearning. In the hands of the Ricardo Farão Jazz Trio, it becomes a poetic meditation—lyrical, understated, and resonant.

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More arrangements available at https://ricardofarao.com
Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@rfviolao for performances and releases.

Bitter-Sweet - C. Rouse

Composed in 1952 by the legendary pianist Thelonious Monk, often in collaboration with drummer Denzil Best, Bemsha Swing is one of the most enigmatic and celebrated pieces in the modern jazz repertoire. The word "Bemsha" is a playful Monk invention, said to be a whimsical distortion of "Bimshire," a nickname for Barbados. The tune captures Monk's unique blend of angular melodies, odd harmonies, and infectious, offbeat swing.

Bemsha Swing is instantly recognizable for its 16-bar structure, syncopated rhythm, and quirky, modal melody punctuated by percussive accents. Its Afro-Caribbean undertones, created by Monk's signature use of whole-tone runs and unexpected harmonic turns, make it both a delight and a challenge for improvisers. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for modern jazz musicians exploring Monk’s idiosyncratic style.

Fun fact: Monk frequently reinterpreted his own piece, recording it in various arrangements—solo piano, quintet, and with iconic musicians like John Coltrane and Art Blakey.

🌐 Discover more
More arrangements available at https://ricardofarao.com
Subscribe to https://www.youtube.com/@rfviolao for performances and releases.

Bemsha Swing - T. Monk

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Music composed and produced by Frank Iengo.
Written by Francesco Iengo
Publisher: FRANK IENGO MUSIC
Record label: Multistyle Records

ROMANZ

Thinking of You

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Thinking Of You

Gentle folk, hard truths, and the courage to draw lines.

I Don't Mind

I did a small demo of the Behringer C2 matched mic pair, which is incredible value, everything is recorded with these mics in XY configuration in this track

Little Sister (QOTSA acoustic cover)

2025_09_23_06_39 (just practice 7)

Elephant Shoe

Three Ships (Oct. 2025)

Will - (born 04.27.1998)
real human musician [self-taught]
~rock and roll music genre~
Earth, North America, Colorado, 970.
feedback appreciated
on other platforms (and known in real life) as William Arthur Hayden.
Ecclesiastes 5.18
🛟

Hi, I'm Kirsten. I live in a bushy part of the world outside Melbourne, Australia. These gentle folk songs have come to me while my life’s slowed way down, living with long covid over the past few years. They’ve helped me through hard times. They’re like old friends, sitting with a cuppa on a wintry afternoon and watching the rain drops.. I'm excited to start sharing them with you.

Home Recordings / Curated Playlists / 

Collaboration / Participation / 

In pursuit of novelty. /

what could i say to you that you don't already know

Multistyle Records is a New York-based record label dedicated to exploring and promoting diverse artists in various musical genres, providing various sonic experiences. Initially founded to unite Frank Iengo’s eclectic musical productions under one roof, Multistyle Records has since expanded to support talented emerging artists.

Our mission is to provide a platform for unique musical expressions, emphasizing instrumental music while fostering creativity across genres and styles.

Dedicated to instrumental music, MultiStyle Records embraces a wide range of genres, including world music, neo-classical piano, classical compositions, ambient soundscapes, new age, acoustic guitar melodies, and soundtracks.

Far more than just a record label or recording studio, MultiStyle Records is a creative hub where music, innovation, and artistry converge. Here, raw noise is shaped into captivating sounds, and simple notes are transformed into timeless harmonies.

New tracks tagged #Nylon String