Antonio Adolfo – Bossa 65: Celebrating Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal (AAM Music, 2023)
Antonio Adolfo, a renowned Brazilian musician, has released his latest album titled Bossa 65: Celebrating Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal. Known for his exceptional piano skills, Adolfo showcases breathtaking arrangements and impeccable production finesse in this opus. With a deep musical heritage rooted in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Adolfo’s talent was nurtured from a young age, influenced by his mother’s violin playing in the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra.
During the 1960s, Adolfo’s visionary leadership of a trio made waves in the Bossa Nova and Jazz scenes of Brazil. His captivating sound attracted esteemed vocalists such as Leny Andrade, Carlos Lyra, Flora Purim, and Elis Regina, and he embarked on mesmerizing tours that left audiences spellbound. Adolfo’s melodic contributions, including the acclaimed “Pretty World,” became part of the musical legacy of legends like Sergio Mendes, Stevie Wonder, and Herb Alpert.
Beyond his performances, Adolfo is a skilled arranger, record producer, and educator. He has collaborated with notable Brazilian musicians and shared his knowledge of Brazilian music with students around the world. In 1985, he established his own music school in Rio de Janeiro, which has since become a renowned institution with over 1,300 students.
Throughout his career, Adolfo has achieved numerous milestones and received accolades for his musical endeavors. His albums, such as Lá e Cá/Here and There, Chora Baiao, and Finas Misturas/Fine Mixtures, have garnered critical acclaim and recognition. Adolfo’s talent as a composer was honored with a Latin Grammy Award for his album “Tema.”
Adolfo’s relentless pursuit of artistic innovation has led to the release of captivating albums like Tropical Infinito and Hybrido – From Rio to Wayne Shorter, which earned him nominations for both the Latin Grammy and Grammy Awards. His commitment to sonic perfection is evident in albums like Encontros – Orquestra Atlantica and Samba Jazz Alley, which have received positive reviews and award nominations.
In his recent work, BruMa – Celebrating Milton Nascimento, Adolfo pays homage to the incomparable Milton Nascimento, resulting in nominations for Best Latin Jazz Album and Best Sound Engineered Album at the Latin Grammy Awards in 2021. Adolfo’s musical journey continues to unfold, captivating audiences and solidifying his place as a masterful musician and composer.
Buy Bossa 65: Celebrating Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal
Author: Douglas Sanders
