Gafieira Rio Miami: Brazilian Big Band

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Gafieira Rio Miami: Brazilian Big Band

Imagine Count Basie went to Rio de Janeiro and combined his big band with a samba school. This only begins to describe the powerful and joyous energy of Gafieira Rio Miami, the 11-piece band founded and led by Latin GRAMMY winning bassist Diogo Brown. This phenomenal group features lively samba percussion, a swinging horn section, and the beautiful voice of Isa Duarte. Gafieira Rio Miami fuses samba, jazz and soul inspired by the joyous, 20th century Rio de Janeiro ballroom dance music known as “samba de gafieira”. “This band is a group of musicians in Miami who are in fact bringing back that art of big band samba. It’s a fantastic concept!” according to NPR.

Yes, the band is reviving the gafieira style, but also adding funk grooves and jazz improvisation. With members from diverse backgrounds including Brazil, US, Venezuela and Cuba, this project is 100% South Florida. The live repertoire includes gorgeous arrangements of classics by Gilberto Gil, Djavan, Caetano Veloso, Jorge Benjor, Alcione, Wilson das Neves, Moacir Santos and others.

PERFORMER BIO:

Gafieira Rio Miami is a project created by Latin GRAMMY winner Diogo Brown, a Brazilian bassist and composer who has lived in Miami for the last 15 years. Diogo is one of the most in-demand bass players in the industry, both for recording and touring, and has worked with many renowned artists such as Gloria Estefan, Laura Pausini, Buika, Nouvelle Vague, Julio Iglesias Jr, Tony Succar and many others.

In June 2021 Diogo invited two exceptional musicians to help put together the band: renowned saxophonist Dr. Pablo Gil, a Latin GRAMMY winner , and trombonist Pedro Carrero, who was the principal trombonist of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Together they recruited the very best session musicians in South Florida to put together this Brazilian big band.

The common goal of all of these phenomenal musicians is to play Brazilian dance music known as “samba de gafieira”. Hugely popular in early 20th century Rio De Janeiro, the genre has made a comeback with newer generations due to the joyous and irresistible energy of the music. Gafieira Rio Miami brings this music alive to South Florida audiences with their unique mix of samba, jazz and funk that will get everyone on the dance floor!

BAND MEMBERS:

Isa Duarte – Vocal

Diogo Brown – Bass

Cassio Coutinho – Keyboards

Ramatis Moraes – Guitar

Hugo Sandim- Percussion

Welsey Cosvok- Drums

Amed Torrecilla- Tenor sax

Yainer Horta – Alto sax

Joel Martinez- Trombone

Pete Francis – Trumpet

Chirs Santiago – Trumpet