The word “Trova” carries different meanings - sometimes music, others poetry, from the European Middle ages to Contemporary Cuban music. For me, it evokes the capacity to express something powerful, authentic and meaningful: a cry that puts things in motion - the “Caminhada”, which literally means “walking”, or, even better “outing”. This “Trova Caminhada” departs from sinuous road, filled with memories, pain and joyful celebration. It puts in perspective my adulthood, in more than 15 years of songwriting, as “Plano Secreto” was written in 1999 and “A Ginga da Morna” in 2016, and the remaining songs written in between. Until now, I made a career as guitarist and arranger; this album is a personal, landmark, in which I fully embrace the role of vocalist. This album is only made possible due to the dedication and generosity of my fellow Quartet musicians: Aki (an Italian from Sicily), Marko (half- Finn Dutch) and Efraim (German). Our eclectic musical and cultural backgrounds met in a space of absolute harmony, resulting in a profound friendship. These wonderful musicians allowed me the most fertile ground of artistic expression, and their creative input was essential to bring this album to a higher level. My gratitude is enormous, and I smile every time I think of any of them. I appreciate the spontaneity in Portuguese culture, as well as the omnipresence of music in social gatherings; people get together, sing and play. I envisioned this album to retain that informal character by just bringing the musicians together and recording the result. This album is fully made under this spirit of spontaneity and gathering, in which we tried to keep as much of the “live” feel as possible - acknowledging the occasional leakages or noises that result from our proximity to each other, etc. Embracing this concept but presenting a high-quality recording was a challenge that came to life with TRPTK. Brendon, Luuk, Maya and the whole team made sure that we had the best working conditions, spoiling us with utmost care for detail and an extreme concern for our (artistic and physical) wellbeing. Their youthful enthusiasm and efficiency made us feel at home while being immensely prolific. For me, writing is a lonely process. Sometimes it’s just a melody fragment that pops up from nowhere; others melody and lyrics seem to summon from the guitar strings. I analyse and rethink the texts word by word, trying to extract from them all the nuances. I write as a need, hoping that my writings light up a sparkle in someone. Reaching the attentive listener is a long process, involving many people - to all of them I feel indebted. But specially: - my dear friend Sue van Rens, who has been my booker for 3 years, on a voluntary basis; - Brendon Heinst, and all the TRPTK team; - Aron Nyiro, Kristian Martinsson, Joan Terol Amigó and Luciën Matheeuwsen, who shared the stage with us on different occasions. - all the singers and musicians who helped me maturing many of these songs, namely Augusto Macedo, Ana Roque, João David Almeida, Alexandra Ávila and Aki Spadaro. - Aili Deiwiks and Maya Fridman, who played the string arrangements in a record time; - my friends and family, for their constant support and presence. The eremitic songwriter finding joy in a standing ovation is a paradox expressed in “Poeta Equilibrista”, opening song of this album. It sets the mood for a path of self-discovery, embracing desires and contradictions - the spice of life. Sometimes I take the guitar and play “Trova Caminhada” once again: Because time urges and the city is not all And my footsteps though large are small. It’s getting late And someone waits. I want the depth of your arms If apart we are less. And then I’m ready for life. Rafael Fraga September 2017 - Faial, Azores.