Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Drummer Hugo Medeiros (left), pianist Amaro Freitas and bassist Jean Elton perform on Rasif, which is due out Oct. 19.
(Photo: Courtesy Far Out)The rhythmic complexity of Amaro Freitas’ trio is dizzying.
After the Brazilian pianist’s talents were showcased working with his father in a church band, Freitas spent some time at Conservatório Pernambucano de Música. His stint there, though, was cut short because of a financial shortfall. It didn’t stop Freitas from figuring out how to find time to sit down at a keyboard—imaginary or otherwise—and learn the instrument.
His second leader date, Rasif (Far Out), features the performances of a bandleader who clearly got what he needed out of his truncated stay at conservatory, while incorporating a wealth of rhythms from Brazil and the influence of Chick Corea. Freitas is joined by bassist Jean Elton and drummer Hugo Medeiros on the recording, which is due out Oct. 19. Below is the debut of “Trupé,” the second track on the upcoming album.
“This song is a tribute to the Samba de Coco Trupé, a musical style and dance, which arises through the beat of the feet, while wearing wooden clogs, accompanied by percussive instruments,” the pianist said. “The style was created by Lula Calixto in Arcoverde, located in the Moxotó/Pernambuco region. In this composition, the piano works as a percussive element in an attempt to develop a melodic rhythm, inspired by the rhythm of the dance in the Trupé style.”
For more information about Freitas and his band, visit the Far Out homepage. DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
“It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”
Sep 22, 2026 1:39 PM
Editor’s Note: Tomorrow, Sept. 23, is the 100th anniversary of John Coltrane’s birth. In honor of the tenor and…
Camille Thurman took to the stage alongside bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Tommy Campbell for a rendition of Johnny Mercer’s “I’m An Old Cowhand” that recalled Rollins’ epochal 1957 trio outing Way Out West.
Oct 6, 2026 1:33 PM
As emcee Mark Ruffin noted at the commencement of an epic tribute to saxophonist Sonny Rollins at the Cathedral of…
