Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
In Memoriam: Al Foster, 1943–2025
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
Brazilian bassist and music producer Sérgio Brandão passed away on April 2 due to gastric interstitial complications, according to a press release. He was 65.
Born Sérgio Luiz Brandão, he was a respected behind-the-scenes legend and conduit of Brazilian music outside of Brazil.
Known as the “Brazilian Jaco” in honor of comparisons to the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, Brandão had a hand in hundreds of landmark recordings over his 40-year career.
For example, Quincy Jones hired Brandão to co-produce the album Juntos by Ivan Lins in the 1980s. The album featured major artists from the United States and Brazil including George Benson, Patti Austin, Elis Regina, Djavan, Paulinho da Viola, Beth Carvalho, Marcus Miller and Tim Maia.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brandão began playing guitar at age 11. At 17, he switched to acoustic bass, and shortly after that, electric bass. He attended the Villa Lobos Institute in Rio, where he studied music theory. During his teens and early 20s, Brandão refined his technique while working with the likes of Joao Bosco, Ivan Lins and Johnny Alf.
In 1978, he moved to New York and became a sought-after bassist on the Brazilian and Latin scenes. He toured and recorded with a number of jazz notables. In 1982, Brandão joined Jan Lucien, with whom he toured and recorded with before joining Flora Purim and Airto Moreira in 1984. He collaborated with them for three years, touring and recording in addition to being part of the New York Samba All Stars in 1985–’86. That high-profile group included the likes of Jaco Pastorius, Michel Camilo, Claudio Roditi and other top names in Latin jazz.
In the late ’80s and ’90s, Brandão joined forces with Paquito D’Rivera, which later led to performances with Herbie Mann, Chico Freeman, Naná Vasconcelos and Trilok Gurtu, Tania Maria and others.
In 1994, Brandão set up a business in New York with Jose Gallegos from Colombia forming Gallco Enterprises Inc., a production company specializing in soundtracks for film as well as jingles for radio and television, all with Latin and Brazilian flavor.
Brandão won a number of awards, including a Latin Grammy in 2006 for his work on the Sérgio Mendes album Timeless.
He died with his wife, Zorina Rodionova, by his side and lifelong friend Dolly Garcia holding vigil via Skype from New York. DB
Foster was truly a drummer to the stars, including Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Jun 3, 2025 11:25 AM
Al Foster, a drummer regarded for his fluency across the bebop, post-bop and funk/fusion lineages of jazz, died May 28…
“Branford’s playing has steadily improved,” says younger brother Wynton Marsalis. “He’s just gotten more and more serious.”
May 20, 2025 11:58 AM
Branford Marsalis was on the road again. Coffee cup in hand, the saxophonist — sporting a gray hoodie and a look of…
“What did I want more of when I was this age?” Sasha Berliner asks when she’s in her teaching mode.
May 13, 2025 12:39 PM
Part of the jazz vibraphone conversation since her late teens, Sasha Berliner has long come across as a fully formed…
Roscoe Mitchell will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s Vision Festival.
May 27, 2025 6:21 PM
Arts for Art has announced the full lineup for the 2025 Vision Festival, which will run June 2–7 at Roulette…
Benny Benack III and his quartet took the Midwest Jazz Collective’s route for a test run this spring.
Jun 3, 2025 10:31 AM
The time and labor required to tour is, for many musicians, daunting at best and prohibitive at worst. It’s hardly…
