Ben Chasny and Norberto Lobo Unveil Collaboration Inspired by Carlos Paredes
Echoes of Paredes: Ben Chasny and Norberto Lobo at Teatro Micaelense
In the stunning Teatro Micaelense, nestled in the heart of Ponta Delgada, the capital of Portugal’s Azores archipelago, an ethereal sonic experience unfolds. Ben Chasny, the avant-garde guitarist known for his work with Six Organs of Admittance, sits stage right, weaving deep, resonant arpeggios on his acoustic guitar. To his left, the laid-back Norberto Lobo hunches over an electric guitar, interjecting with spikey melodies that occasionally disrupt Chasny’s steady loops, creating an intriguing push-and-pull dynamic.
Some may perceive the interplay as antagonistic, but as the first half of their set progresses, it becomes clear that their guitars are engaged in an intricate dance rather than a duel. Lobo’s mercurial flourishes find unexpected pockets within Chasny’s structured melodies, leading to a mesmerizing soundscape that evokes a celestial quality. For the next 45 minutes, their collaboration at the Tremor Festival 2025 transcends a typical two-guitar jam, showcasing a rich tapestry of innovation.
Chasny’s leadership on subsequent tracks reveals Lobo’s ability to conjure whale-like echoes from his electric guitar, while transformations into sounds reminiscent of a church organ leave audiences entranced. Their dazzling solos and seamless dovetails signify a performance that is nothing short of magnificent—a testament to their bond and mutual inspiration.
Central to this collaboration is Carlos Paredes, the Portuguese virtuoso who revolutionized the 12-string guitar, crafting a sound deeply woven into the fabric of Portuguese music. Paredes, who lived a life straddled between artistry and activism, was revered not just for his music but for his defiance against the Estado Novo regime. His legacy looms large over the festival, providing a poignant backdrop for Chasny and Lobo, who were brought together to honor the centenary of his birth.
During their residency in Ponta Delgada, the musicians quickly found that honoring Paredes through direct covers would prove inadequate. "He’s such a towering figure that a straightforward tribute felt insufficient," reflects Chasny, explaining how their partnership began to evolve into something uniquely their own. "The emphasis is on his spirit rather than strict adherence to his sound," adds Lobo.
In a candid conversation shortly before their performance, both guitarists reflect on the profound influence of Paredes. "He’s like our Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Aretha Franklin rolled into one," Lobo offers, encapsulating the reverence for Paredes in Portuguese culture. For Chasny, the experience of discovering Paredes’ work was transformative, likening the encounter to “a perfect combination of technique and raw emotion.”
The duo’s creative chemistry extends beyond mere musical interplay; it blossomed through their intertwined personal stories and late-night conversations, where they shared and explored new musical inspirations. "It’s been a real friendship thing," Chasny shares, highlighting how their relationship has influenced their collaborative sound.
As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that their direction is evolving, moving beyond the confines of a traditional tribute. While they occasionally slip in a Paredes track, their original compositions elevate the conversation into new territories—reminiscent of their respective inspirations yet undeniably their own.
Mirroring the complexities of Paredes’ life and music, their performance evokes a sense of historical and emotional weight. The audience, swaying to the hypnotic rhythms, is transported—not just to a geographical location, but to a shared cultural memory that reverberates through generations.
As the set draws to a close, it strikes a final note that resonates deeply: the essence of Carlos Paredes thrives through the innovative expression of these two modern guitarists, bridging past and present in a sacred musical communion. Their performance serves as a reminder that while the shadows of the past loom large, the potential for new sounds and connections is ever-present—echoing into the night.
