Brazilian Jazz

A brief history of Brazilian Jazz

Jazz is a genre that has evolved immensely over the years, branching out into different sub-genres that have brought about some of the most innovative and influential musicians and composers to date. One of the lesser-known sub-genres of jazz is Brazilian Jazz, a unique blend of the rich musical heritage of Brazil and the improvisational traditions of jazz.

Brazilian Jazz finds its roots in the larger movement of “Brazilian music,” which emerged during the early 20th century. At the time, Brazil was experiencing rapid modernization and urbanization, with new styles of music emerging from its diverse musical traditions and influences from abroad. Samba, which originated in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, was one such style, characterized by its syncopated rhythms and percussive beats.

It was during the 1950s and 60s that jazz began to make its way into Brazil, with American musicians like Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd being inspired by the country’s dynamic music scene, fueling what would become known as the Bossa Nova movement. The genre was characterized by its simple harmonies, subtle melodies, and gentle rhythms, often played on guitar and piano.

Bossa Nova quickly gained popularity in Brazil and beyond, with its unique blend of jazz and Brazilian rhythms. The genre saw a significant boost in popularity when Joao Gilberto’s recording of “Chega de Saudade” became an instant hit worldwide. Soon, American jazz musicians were incorporating Bossa Nova elements into their music, leading to a further fusion of Brazilian and jazz traditions.

In the mid-1970s, another form of Brazilian Jazz, known as Jazz Samba, emerged. The genre was characterized by a faster and more rhythmic style of Bossa Nova, with a strong focus on piano and percussion. It was during this time that fusion bands like Weather Report and Return to Forever began incorporating Brazilian rhythms into their music, further solidifying the connection between Brazilian music and jazz.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Brazilian Jazz continued to evolve, with many Brazilian musicians fusing jazz with elements of other genres like rock, funk, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. One such artist was the renowned pianist and composer, Hermeto Pascoal, who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative musicians in Brazilian Jazz. Pascoal’s music was a unique blend of improvisation, complex harmonies, and the use of unconventional instruments like teapots and spoons.

Today, Brazilian Jazz remains a vibrant and evolving genre that continues to draw inspiration from the rich musical heritage of Brazil and the improvisational elements of jazz. Some notable artists in the genre include the pianist Eliane Elias, the singer Luciana Souza, and the guitarist and composer Toninho Horta.

Notable Brazilian Jazz artists

Hermeto Pascoal: A highly regarded Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, Hermeto Pascoal has made significant contributions to the jazz genre through his unique fusion of Brazilian music with jazz and world music elements. His innovative approach to improvisation and composition has earned him widespread recognition and respect among jazz lovers worldwide.

Antonio Carlos Jobim: Known as the “father of bossa nova”, Antonio Carlos Jobim is considered one of the most important figures in Brazilian jazz history. His innovative blend of samba rhythms with jazz harmonies has had a significant impact on the development of jazz and popular music both in Brazil and internationally.

Elis Regina: Often described as one of Brazil’s greatest female vocalists, Elis Regina was a talented and versatile artist with a powerful voice and an extraordinary ability to interpret a wide range of different musical genres. Her contributions to Brazilian jazz have been widely recognized and celebrated for their unique blend of passion, energy, and musicality.

Milton Nascimento: A celebrated Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Milton Nascimento has been a major force in Brazilian jazz for over five decades. His soulful and emotive voice, coupled with his poetic lyrics and sophisticated guitar playing, have made him one of Brazil’s finest cultural ambassadors.

João Gilberto: Known for his soft and intimate vocal style, João Gilberto is considered a true legend of Brazilian jazz. His contribution to the development of bossa nova, a sub-genre of jazz that blends cool jazz with samba rhythms, has been immeasurable, and his work has inspired countless musicians across the world.

Gal Costa: A talented singer with a unique and powerful voice, Gal Costa has been a prominent figure in Brazilian music for over five decades. Her ability to seamlessly integrate traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz and pop styles has made her one of Brazil’s finest musical innovators.

Egberto Gismonti: A virtuoso instrumentalist and composer, Egberto Gismonti has played a major role in the evolution of Brazilian jazz. His innovative use of the guitar and piano has earned him a reputation as one of the most accomplished and technically skilled musicians in the genre.

Leny Andrade: An influential and highly respected vocalist, Leny Andrade has been a prominent figure in Brazilian jazz since the 1960s. Her soulful and expressive voice, combined with her extensive knowledge of Brazilian music, has made her one of the most sought-after performers and educators in the genre.

Tania Maria: Often referred to as the “Queen of Brazilian Jazz”, Tania Maria is a talented pianist, composer, and vocalist with a unique and dynamic style that blends jazz, samba, and funk elements. Her electrifying live performances and innovative compositions have earned her widespread acclaim and adoration from fans across the globe.

Yamandu Costa: A virtuoso guitarist and composer, Yamandu Costa has been at the forefront of the Brazilian jazz scene for over two decades. His distinctive blend of traditional Brazilian rhythms with jazz, classical, and world music influences has made him one of Brazil’s most celebrated and respected musicians.

25 Brazilian Jazz records you should hear

1. “Chega de Saudade” by João Gilberto
2. “Desafinado” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto
3. “Wave” by Antonio Carlos Jobim
4. “The Girl From Ipanema” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto
5. “Corcovado” by Stan Getz and João Gilberto
6. “Águas de Março” by Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim
7. “Dindi” by Sylvia Telles
8. “Manhã de Carnaval” by Luiz Bonfá
9. “Berimbau” by Baden Powell
10. “Triste” by Astrud Gilberto and João Gilberto
11. “O Pato” by João Gilberto
12. “Flor de Lis” by Djavan
13. “Bahia Com H” by João Gilberto
14. “Coisa Mais Linda” by João Gilberto
15. “Saudade Fez Um Samba” by Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moraes
16. “Maya” by Azymuth
17. “Felicidade” by Vinicius de Moraes and Baden Powell
18. “Eu Vim da Bahia” by João Gilberto
19. “Despedida” by Sylvia Telles
20. “Brazil” by Milt Jackson and Stan Getz
21. “Chovendo Na Roseira” by Elis Regina
22. “Aquarela do Brasil” by João Gilberto
23. “Vivo Sonhando” by Stan Getz
24. “Bonita” by Eliane Elias
25. “Tarde Em Itapuã” by Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho

Brazilian Jazz and the charts

One of the most significant records in the Brazilian jazz scene was “The Girl From Ipanema,” a bossa nova piece by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, which was first recorded in 1962. It quickly became a hit, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1964 and remaining on the chart for 16 weeks. This song, sung by Astrud Gilberto, had contributed significantly to the genre’s popularity.

Another notable record in Brazilian jazz was “Samba Pa Ti,” a song by Carlos Santana, which features a mix of jazz and Latin rhythms. The song, named after the Brazilian samba dance, became a hit and reached number 11 in the US and number 27 in the UK charts in 1971. The critically acclaimed album “Caravanserai,” released in the same year, features more Brazilian elements in the music, and went on to sell over 500,000 units.

More recently, the Grammy Award-winning album “Jazz-Brasil” by Hamilton de Holanda featuring Andre Mehmari and Gabriel Grossi, which combines jazz with traditional Brazilian music, achieved chart success in 2010. This album incorporated several Brazilian instruments, such as the bandolim and accordion, and gained popularity among jazz and world music fans alike. The Polar Music Prize-winning band Snarky Puppy also drew inspiration from Brazilian jazz, recording their album “Family Dinner Vol. 1” in Brazil and featuring Brazilian artists such as Lalah Hathaway and Salif Keita.

Additionally, Brazilian jazz has enjoyed enduring popularity in Brazil. The Brazilian jazz musician João Gilberto released the album “Chega de Saudade” in 1959, which is widely regarded as the first bossa nova album. The album, which includes iconic tracks like “Desafinado,” “Outra Vez,” and “Chega de Saudade,” became a seminal recording in Brazilian jazz, selling over 10,000 copies in the first year alone. Gilberto was also known for his collaboration with Antonio Carlos Jobim, and their album “Getz/Gilberto” featuring Stan Getz became a commercial success, spending 96 weeks on the Billboard charts and winning a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1965.

In more recent years, Brazilian jazz continues to thrive in Brazil, with the emergence of new artists such as Duduka da Fonseca and Eduardo Neves. Their album “Samba Jazz – Jazz Samba” featuring Helio Alves won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2015. Furthermore, several Brazilian musicians have gained international acclaim by incorporating elements of jazz into their music. Singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto blended bossa nova with jazz on her album “Tanto Tempo” released in 2000, which sold over 600,000 copies worldwide.

What people have said about Brazilian Jazz

In “Bossa Nova and the Rise of Brazilian Music in the 1960s,” Gilles Peterson documents the evolution of Bossa Nova, how it became popular in Brazil, and how it has influenced jazz worldwide. Peterson notes that Bossa Nova emerged in Rio de Janeiro in 1958, and its popularity was partly due to its association with the tourist industry and its romanticism. He further argues that Bossa Nova’s impact on jazz was through its mellow and understated rhythms, which jazz musicians worldwide found enthralling.

Chris Mcgowan and Ricardo Pessanha’s “The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova, and the Popular Music of Brazil” is another work that focuses on the Brazilian music scene, including Bossa Nova and its influence on jazz. The book provides a detailed account of the social and cultural context in which Brazilian music evolved and draws on interviews with leading musicians and performers. Mcgowan and Pessanha also highlight the political environment in Brazil during this time and how it affected the music industry.

Billy Taylor’s “The Jazz Life of Dr. Billy Taylor” sheds light on one of America’s most prominent jazz pianists and composers and his relationship with Brazilian Jazz. Taylor recalls his visit to Brazil in the 1960s, where he was exposed to Bossa Nova and Samba music, and how it influenced his music. Taylor specially notes how he took inspiration from the way Brazilian Jazz musicians combined music and harmony.

Notable quotes on Brazilian Jazz have come from various quarters in the music industry. Jazz saxophonist Stan Getz once famously said, “The quintessential Brazilian Jazz sound expresses warmth, romance, and sensuality.” Pianist and composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim, who is considered one of Bossa Nova’s pioneers, said, “Bossa Nova is a gift from God, and we have to take care of it so that we can transmit it to the future generation.” Joao Gilberto, who is regarded as the father of Bossa Nova, described the genre as “a heartbreaking expression of Brazilian spirit.”

Brazilian Jazz in context

One of the key factors that led to the emergence of Brazilian Jazz was its historical roots in the African diaspora. With the slave trade, Africans brought their music, dance, and traditions to Brazil. The fusion of these traditions with the local culture gave birth to a new form of music, which was later developed into what we now recognize as Brazilian Jazz.

Additionally, technological advances in music technology played a pivotal role in the rise of Brazilian Jazz. The introduction of new instruments such as the saxophone, trumpet, and piano allowed Brazilian Jazz musicians to incorporate a wider array of sounds and styles into their music.

As Brazil’s cultural identity became increasingly diverse, various record labels emerged to document and promote the music of Brazil. Jobim and Gilberto popularized Brazilian Jazz in the United States by signing with jazz labels and collaborating with American jazz musicians.

In the 1960s, the Bossa Nova movement helped propel Brazilian Jazz to international prominence. Musicians like Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim became icons of Brazilian Jazz after their collaborations with American saxophonist Stan Getz brought the genre global recognition. These collaborations also led to the fusion of bossa nova and jazz, which became the jazz genre known as Brazilian Jazz.

Brazilian Jazz has appeared in multiple mediums. Journalists have played an instrumental role in promoting and providing insight into the genre. The wide variety of media, such as articles, radio programmes and television presentations helped document the evolution of the genre and its influence on Brazilian society.

Notable journalists who made significant contributions to the growth and promotion of Brazilian jazz include Ruy Castro, who authored the book “Bossa Nova: The Story of the Brazilian Music That Seduced the World” in 1990. His writings have been heralded as the best interpretations of the genesis of Brazilian Jazz.

Brazilian Jazz has also been an integral part of the cultural identity of Brazil. It not only reflects the musical identity of the country but its social, cultural and political identity as well. Brazilian Jazz helped define the cultural movement of Bossa Nova during the 1960s and became a symbol of modernization and new identity in Brazil. As Bossa Nova became the soundtrack of Brazil’s Golden Age, Brazilian Jazz emerged as the genre capable of blending the Brazilian sound with international jazz.

Brazilian Jazz has not only been a reflection of the cultural identity and heritage of Brazil but has also facilitated interactions between various cultural identities globally. Brazilian jazz fuses various styles and genres, including jazz, blues, samba, and bossa nova, amongst others, creating a unique sound that has been impressing the global music arena since the 1950s.

If you like Brazilian Jazz you may like..

Bossa Nova: A soft and melodious style focused on the guitar and featuring smooth vocals, similar to samba.

MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira): A diverse genre encompassing various Brazilian styles, including jazz, samba, and rock.

Samba Jazz: A fusion of samba and jazz characterized by complex rhythms and improvisation.

Baião: A folk music style originating from the Brazilian northeast, featuring accordion and triangle as well as syncopated rhythms.

Choro: An instrumental style focused on improvisation and featuring a variety of instruments, including guitar, flute, and pandeiro.