Biography
Lanny Gordin helped define the sonic character of Tropicália through his guitar work and quickly became a musician in demand among the movement’s central figures as well as others drawn to his distinctive abilities. His first appearance on a Tropicália recording occurred on Gal Costa’s debut solo album, Gal Costa (Philips, 1969), a project that caught the ear of Rogério Duprat in his roles as musical director, arranger, and conductor. Subsequent sessions followed on releases by Caetano Veloso (1969), Gilberto Gil (1969, 1972), Gal Costa (1970, 1971), Rita Lee (1972), Erasmo Carlos (1971), Jards Macalé (1972), Elis Regina, and additional artists. In 1971 he accompanied Jair Rodrigues on a European tour, and his last significant recording came on the track “De Cara” from Caetano’s Araçá Azul. Gordin lived briefly in Israel before arriving in Brazil at age six. He began playing guitar at thirteen without lessons and made his debut at sixteen in his father’s Stardust nightclub in downtown São Paulo, where he performed alongside Heraldo do Monte and Hermeto Pascoal. A severe LSD experience in 1974 precipitated a schizophrenic episode, after which he left music behind and spent extended periods in psychiatric hospitals. He attempted a return in 1982 by forming the short-lived Banda Performática with Arnaldo Antunes and visual artist Aguillar. During the 1990s Chico César renewed attention to Gordin by dedicating the song “Lenny Qual?” to him, a track later included on Vange Milliet’s debut album (1995). Gordin also appeared on Chico’s Aos Vivos (1995) and Cuzcuz Clã (1996). In 1999 he participated in Jards Macalé’s O Q Faço É Música. Lanny Gordin died on November 28, 2023, while celebrating his 72nd birthday.
Albums