Caixa Cubo – Modo Avião (Far Out Recordings, 2024)
São Paulo-based trio Caixa Cubo has boldly reimagined Brazilian jazz and funk traditions on their new album, Modo Avião. The release presents a seamless and savory mix of classic Brazilian instrumental music and innovative jazz-funk, reminiscent of icons like Azymuth, Antonio Adolfo, and Marcos Resende.
Employing the trio format of synthesizers, bass, and drums, Henrique Gomide (keyboards), Noa Stroeter (bass), and João Fideles (drums) craft a sound that honors Brazil’s golden-era grooves while pushing boundaries. The album’s title, which translates to “Airplane Mode,” captures its otherworldly vibe, balancing elegance with playful surrealism.
The trio, whose collaboration spans over 14 years, credits their dynamic creative process to an openness to inspiration from everyday experiences. As Stroeter explains: “A story, a joke, images, invented words, and people we meet on tour are all integral to our creative process. These elements transcend the music itself, ensuring that our work remains both fresh and fun.”
With Modo Avião, Caixa Cubo explores a wide range of Brazilian rhythms, weaving carnaval marches, frevo, and baião into a framework of jazz, MPB, and funk. The album highlights the trio’s deep knowledge of Brazil’s musical traditions while introducing new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities.
This release follows 2023’s Agora, which featured collaborations with artists like Xênia França and Zé Leônidas, and acclaimed Angela (2020), celebrated by outlets such as BBC 6 Music and Bandcamp as one of the year’s best albums.
Musicians: Henrique Gomide on Fender Rhodes and synthesizer; João Fideles on drums and percussion; Noa Stroeter on electric bass, electric guitar.
Recorded and mixed by Frederico Pacheco (O&O Studio).
Artwork and Design by Rollinos.
Buy Modo Avião.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
