This song began as an instrumental composition. As I listened to the opening three-note motive I kept thinking of the Portuguese word "abraço" which translates as "hug" or "embrace". I knew this word because my friend and pianist Fabiano de Castro from São Paulo, Brazil often closes his emails with an endearing "Abraço, Fabiano". The rest of the lyrics soon fell into place and I was inspired to dedicate this song to him. To create a recording we enlisted vocalist Luciana Nóbrega who Fabiano had recorded with previously. This song was composed and recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic when we all longed for actual "abraços"! My thanks to Fabiano and Lu for their amazing performance.
lyrics
Abraço
Embracing all we are
And all we know
From dreams of yesterday.
Abraço
Encasing ev’ry star
That guides each step
We walk along the way.
Abraço, amigo
Where we go
The pathways all lead to tomorrow.
Adagio, crescendo
The echo of music we make
Is a tender Abraço.
credits
from After The Dust Has Settled,
released January 1, 2023
Luciana Nóbrega (vocal)
Fabiano de Castro (piano)
Bruce Abbott (composer, alto sax)