When you first hear FRNT BZNZZ, the sound stands out in the way Esperanza Spalding or maybe Kamasi Washington stands out: as a unique synthesis of ideas. FRNT BZNZZ, pronounced "front business," is the digital alter ego of local musician Ted de Oliveira.
His dad is legendary percussionist Carlos de Oliveira who once bested 499 others to be crowned the champion pandeiro, or tambourine, player in Brazil. You can imagine the competition.
But the talent doesn't stop there. His mom is ethnomusicologist Sandy Tsukiyama—the host of Brazilian Experience, one of HPR’s most popular programs.
He spoke with HPR's Noe Tanigawa about his music, his time in the criminal justice system, and much more. Ted de Oliveira, or FRNT BZNZZ, has a new album out called "Festival de Azeitona {Olive Festival}."
This segment aired on The Aloha Friday Conversation on July 2, 2021.
