Azul 8.7.09
CYRO BAPTISTA, PERCUSSION
Cyro Baptista is a Brazilian percussionist and composer whose vast experience and penchant for innovation has made him one of the most respected percussionists in the world.
Baptista’s talents have led him to associations with a wide range of leading jazz, pop, classical, avant-garde and Brazilian artists including Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson, Paul Simon, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, Trey Anastasio (Phish), Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Marisa Monte and Sting.
He was nominated for the 2005 Grammy Awards for his collaboration with Herbie Hancock and Trey Anastasio on the CD "Possibilities." He has performed on Grammy award-winning albums by Yo-Yo-Ma, Cassandra Wilson, Toni Bennett, The Chieftains, Ivan Lins and Herbie Hancock. As a duo with Canadian guitarist Kevin Breit called Supergenerous, he has released two CDs, the first on Blue Note Records. Baptista has produced six CDs of his own. His newest project, Banquet of the Spirit, was hailed as “provocative, powerful and deeply enjoyable listening experience.”
With his phenomenal ensemble, Beat the Donkey, Baptista gives free reign to his imagination, combining music and humor with dance and martial arts, mixing instruments from Brazil, America, Indonesia and Africa, and unusual inventions of his own. The Robison, Lubambo & Baptista Trio, a collaboration with acclaimed classical flutist Paula Robison and Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo, performs regularly at classical music festivals around the world, including Spoleto Festival.
Cyro Baptista was elected “2007 Percussionist of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association.
www.cyrobaptista.com
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