Home » Staff Directory » Member Page
Manoel Cruz
Member Since: 2013 | Location: Sao Paulo | Page Views: 1,940 
About Me
The Essence of Brazilian Jazz with a Global Accent
Manoel Cruz is a prominent figure in Brazilian instrumental music, widely recognized for his mastery as a bassist, composer, arranger, and producer. Based in São Paulo, his artistry seamlessly fuses the refined techniques of contemporary jazz with the rhythmic richness of regional Brazilian sounds, ranging from baião and maracatu to samba and forró. With a career spanning decades, Manoel has consolidated his reputation both as a highly sought-after sideman for Brazilian icons—such as Adylson Godoy, Pery Ribeiro, and Moacyr Franco—and as a prestigious solo artist with international reach. Manoel’s evolution is marked by several landmark releases: -Alcatéia (2002): His debut as a leader, marking the beginning of his original journey. -Under My Soul (2012): A live CD and DVD recorded at the Humboldt Theater, exploring the bridge between folklore and modern jazz. -Brazilian News (2019): Acclaimed by critic Carlos Calado, this collaboration with Italian trumpeter Gabriel Rosati reached over 45,000 listeners in 61 countries on Spotify. -Blueteko (Miles Bar) (2020): An instrumental single paying tribute to the legendary sound of Miles Davis, featuring Italian trumpeter Gabriel Rosati. -Quijingue Impressions (2021): An international single featuring Indian pianist Charu Suri and drummer Manny Monteiro, reinforcing his ability to create cross-cultural sonic bridges. -Leonardinho (2025): A vibrant Brazilian-Electro-Jazz collaboration with Gabriel Rosati, inspired by childhood experiences and featuring a top-tier Brazilian rhythm section. -Navegante (2026): A sonic odyssey exploring oceanic themes through the lens of instrumental jazz, featuring Cruz's lyrical fretless bass leading a stellar quintet. -Kuanza Sul (2026): A refined acoustic trio exploration highlighting Cruz's upright bass alongside pianist Ary Holland and drummer Manny Monteiro.Caixa dos Gatos (2026): An intimate, cinematic single where the subtleties of Bossa Nova meet chamber-jazz orchestration. New Release: “Caixa dos Gatos” (2026)In his latest single, “Caixa dos Gatos”, Manoel Cruz crafts a delicate, unhurried sonic landscape poised at the intersection of Bossa Nova and modern Jazz. Forming the intimate core of the recording through his vocals, acoustic guitar, and upright bass, Cruz is joined by pianist Billy Magno, guitarist Wagner Bruno, and drummer Claudinho Oliveira, engaging in an organic, breathing dialogue that prizes spontaneous interplay over rigid structure. Elevating the work to another dimension, Magno also directs lush, evocative string arrangements reminiscent of Claus Ogerman’s legendary orchestral language for Antônio Carlos Jobim—serving not as a passive backdrop, but as an active counterpoint that expands the emotional depth of the piece. Produced and finalized by the 88 Major Studio Label, “Caixa dos Gatos” preserves the natural transients, breath, and warmth of acoustic instrumentation, delivering an expressive masterwork of Brazilian chamber jazz. Global Presence and PerformanceA seasoned performer, Manoel has graced renowned stages including Blue Note SP, Sesc Pinheiros, and various international festivals. In 2013, he achieved a significant milestone as the first Brazilian artist in 14 years to perform at the Santo Domingo Jazz Festival in the Dominican Republic. His work has been featured on major Brazilian television programs such as Instrumental Sesc Brasil, Ensaio (TV Cultura), and Jô Onze e Meia.Manoel Cruz continues to push the boundaries of Brazilian jazz, constantly exploring new cultures and styles while maintaining the deep, rhythmic soul of his heritage.
Articles
Jazz Near You
Your Personal Calendar
✓ Receives Newsletter
Upload Single or Recurring Event
Upload Several Events At Once
Photos
Favorite Musicians / Bands
My Jazz Story
My House Concert Story
Favorite Places to See Jazz
Favorite Columns
Favorite Writers
Theme Song
Playlist
This page was last updated on 2026-10-16.
