Protazio F. "Tazinho" Brito, 85, of New Bedford died October 15, 2017 peacefully at Hathaway Manor.
He was the husband of Hilda C. (Costa) Brito.
Born in Boa Vista, Cape Verde, the son of the late Mateus F. and Marinha (Silva) Brito, he lived in New Bedford since 1970.
Mr. Brito was formerly employed by Acushnet Company for many years until his retirement.
Tazinho was a genius on the guitar and was known to many as the "Maestro" who had the exceptional capacity to manipulate the six chords of a guitar. He dominated the scales of his musical instrument with impressive speed and accuracy without ever losing the melody. Tazinho is unanimously seen by the finest of guitarists as being one of the best solo artists that Cape Verde has given birth to. Tazinho was awarded "The Presidential Medal of Highest Honor Medalha do Vulcao" in Recognition for Development of National Culture by the President of Cape Verde on July 4, 2000.
Tazinho was born to parents and grandparents who were musically inclined. He began to play the guitar at five years of age and also learned at ten years of age to play the mandolin and violin as well. His mentor, Louis Rendall, whom he learned a great deal from, had a great influence on him and encouraged him to continue in the study of guitar since he was a small boy.
Tazhino enlisted in the Merchant Marines at the age of fourteen years old and spent the next fourteen years sailing the seas of Africa, Europe, and the Netherlands. Being a seaman allowed him to become acquainted with many musicians on many islands, where he learned the different island styles and rhythms of music. Tazinho's favorite type of occasion in Cape Verde was to perform with musicians who took part in "Serenata." Serenata was a spontaneous gathering of musicians on a moon-lit night. They would go from house to house, awakening the people into what would develop into a full-blown dance that would last until early morning. He was fond of and enjoyed playing mornas and colodeiras of Cape Verde.
He immigrated to Holland in 1960 as a seaman, where he was exposed to a wider variety of music from many parts of the world. He first recorded in Holland in 1965, and recorded a total of four albums and numerous 45's and later recorded an album in Lisbon in 1986. He came to the United States in 1970, where he gained more sophisticated orchestrations and became more universal by bringing classical guitar and jazz licks that he had learned, into Cape Verdean music. In America, he continued to perform in bands that he led and accompanied other musicians in their own bands (Djedijinho, Djicai, Piuna, Josezinho, and Ivo).
He studied classical guitar for several years. Under the instruction of Avelino "Young Boboy" Soares, Tazinho became a Master Guitarist. He has composed over 30 original song arrangements and has had numerous CDs accredited to his name that are played all over the world.
Tazinho resided in New Bedford with his wife and daughters whom he loved dearly. He was considered to be a Gentle Giant in the community. He was also a member of The Bisca Tournament Club for many years and enjoyed taking his wife to social events there.
Survivors include his wife; 6 daughters, Andanilza Miranda of West Palm, FL, Elaine Miranda and Karen Miranda, both of New Bedford, Fatima Miranda of Miami, Lana Brito of Italy and Marly Brito of Switzerland; 4 sons, Marcos Silva Brito, Carlos Silva Brito, Aristides Silva Fortes Brito and Agnllo Silva Brito, all of St. Vincente, Cape Verde; his extended family, Wayne Cardoza and Jolene Pires Senna; numerous grandchildren, including Justin Miranda; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Clemente Fortes Brito and Olga Fortes Brito.
His Funeral will be held on Friday, October 20th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday, October 19th 4-8 PM.