Formation and Bonfires of São João In celebration of his birthday (October 16), Mauro Refosco invited some friends over for a forró-style jam session at
Nublu, a nightclub located in the
East Village district of
New York City. The group was such a hit that they started a weekly
residency at the club. Their public prominence increased due to their extended residency at Nublu, where they came into contact with prominent New York influence
David Byrne, who helped propel further recognition for the band when they collaborated on Forro in the Dark's 2006 album
Bonfires of São João. In November 2006, Forro in the Dark released their debut album
Bonfires of São João, which includes guest performances from
Bebel Gilberto,
David Byrne and
Miho Hatori. In regards to the album,
Allmusic noted that "Forro in the Dark hang on tightly to the danceability of the music but are keen to expand the music's sonic parameters. A
reggae tune, 'Limoeiro do Norte,' spotlights a wobbly flute up front, while 'Que Que Tu Fez' crosses an insistent
Afro-Caribbean rhythm with
flamenco handclaps, a flighty flute, and a spry vocal. Guest stars liven up the proceedings:
David Byrne vocalizes exuberantly on two tracks, including '
Asa Branca,' a forro standard, and the Brazilian diva
Bebel Gilberto donates a rich, sultry lead vocal to the airy ballad 'Wandering Swallow.'
Miho Hatori of the band
Cibo Matto further blurs the lines by bringing a
Japanese pop taste to Gonzaga's 'Paraiba'…" The group toured throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe in 2007 to promote the album. During this time they recorded the song "
City of Immigrants" that was featured on "
Steve Earle’s Grammy-winning album
Washington Square Serenade". In 2009, the band collaborated with singer-songwriter
Brett Dennen for a live session recording made available on
iTunes. Refosco was also announced as the percussionist for
Thom Yorke's new live band
Atoms for Peace (which also included
Flea of the
Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Joey Waronker of
Beck and
Nigel Godrich). Refosco joined the
Red Hot Chili Peppers touring lineup as a percussionist from 2011 to 2014. ==Musical style==