Manoel Cruz

Biography
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The Essence of Brazilian Jazz with a Global Touch

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 albums:

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.

New Release: "Kuanza Sul" (2026)

In his latest work, "Kuanza Sul", Manoel Cruz dives into the sophistication of contemporary jazz through the classic acoustic trio format. Guiding the earthy pulse on the acoustic upright bass, he is joined by the harmonic fluidity of pianist Ary Holland and the rhythmic precision of Manny Monteiro. The single reflects a meticulous, decentralized production effort, with tracking sessions held at Origem Estúdio and CD Audio Studio, and final mixing and mastering completed at his own 88 Major Studio Label. Complemented by intimate cover photography by James Gavin, the release stands as a masterclass in modern trio interplay.

Global Presence and Performance

A 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.

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Synopsis of Brazilian New Album

The bass player and composer Manoel Cruz brings good news to the lovers of instrumental music and jazz. His tasty album "Brazilian News" reveals an influence that distinguishes him from what has been produced in the Brazilian music scene in recent years.

"I really like Latin music. I've always been listening to Irakere, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, "says the São Paulo-based instrumentalist, explaining his affinity with Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. A very healthy influence, which has contributed to enrich Brazilian music in other times. Essential in the cast of this album is the presence of Gabriel Rosati, renowned Italian trumpeter who cultivates the sonority and phrasing characteristic of "Latin jazz". This musical heritage is very well synthesized in the track "Fiesta Sunset", contagious composition of Cruz.

"I often say that this rhythm is a 'macumbia'. It's our way of playing Latin music ", defines with humor the Brazilian composer and arranger. The recording also highlights the participation of the Dominican saxophonist Sandy Gabriel, plus an ace of Latin jazz, who contributes with a full solo of energy. Another highlight in the repertoire of the album is the samba "Brazilian News". The melody is displayed by Cruz's electric bass, which also assumes vocals in the recording. At their side are the pianist Ary Holland and Douglas Las Casas, experienced partners who have been part of the trio for some years. "I like to make the musicians feel comfortable. This is a record made in the chest, in the same friendship. I owe a lot to them, "acknowledges Cruz, who also features guitarists Rogério de Oliveira, in the surrounding" Samba D Boa ", and Aldo Landi in" Caboclice ", a theme in a ternary rhythm that turns to jazz.

In the midst of several jazz incursions, Cruz had the great idea to include in the repertoire a re-reading of "Lamento Sertanejo" (by Dominguinhos and Gilberto Gil), which serves as a vehicle for Rosati and Holland's inspired solos. The beautiful melody of this song is enhanced by the sensitive interpretation of the bass player.

In the late 1980s, when visiting the island of Cuba, the great trumpet player and composer Dizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) risked a prediction: that Cuban music, American jazz and Brazilian music would become one in the future . For now, this has not yet happened, but this album by Manoel Cruz demonstrates the affinity that unites these precious musical traditions.

Carlos Calado is a journalist and music critic. His most recent texts are gathered on the blog Music of Alma Negra.

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