Brazilian Landscapes sees acclaimed Brazilian guitarist and singer Mario Bakuna and his band reimagine works by celebrated composers such as Marcos Valle, Claudio Bertrami, Rique Pantoja, Gilberto Gil, Djavan, João Bosco, Arismar do Espírito Santo, as well as the forrozeiros Dominguinhos and Luiz Gonzaga.
This concert is the synthesis of years of inspiration drawn from Bakuna’s travels across Brazil, where he immersed himself in the country’s rhythmic and harmonic diversity. From the arid landscapes of the Northeast—echoed in the driving choruses of Forró, Baião, and Xaxado—to the African heritage expressed in Ijexá, the popularity of Samba, and the refined elegance of Bossa Nova, Mario Bakuna and his musicians celebrate one of the richest musical territories on Earth.
Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, arranger, singer, and guitarist currently based in London. Over the past few years, he has emerged as a leading figure and a key reference in the UK’s Brazilian jazz scene. Renowned for his deep exploration of traditional Brazilian rhythms, samba, jazz, and bossa nova, Mario captures the spirit of Brazilian swing, blending it with refined jazz colours in both his original compositions and fresh arrangements of works by iconic artists such as Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Paulo Moura, and João Donato. Mario has built a distinctive international career, enchanting audiences in both intimate jazz clubs and on grand festival stages around the world, reaching audiences of up to 150,000 people. He has collaborated with leading artists including Guinga, Daniel Jobim, Nelson Ayres, and Robertinho Silva, and his albums Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia and Brazilian Landscapes highlight his unique fusion of tradition and contemporary jazz. His captivating live performances seamlessly unite tradition and modern groove, resulting in a sound that is unmistakably his own and resonates with audiences worldwide. (www.mariobakuna.com)