Manoel Cruz

Biography
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Manoel Cruz: The Essence of Brazilian Jazz with a Global Accent

Manoel Cruz is a significant name in Brazilian instrumental music, recognized for his mastery as a bassist, composer, arranger, and producer. His journey is shaped by extensive experience as a sideman in various Brazilian music styles, which he

originally translates into instrumental compositions. The result is a sound that unites the refined technique of contemporary jazz with the richness of Brazilian regional rhythms – from baião to samba, maracatu to forró.

Throughout his career, Manoel has released albums that mark his artistic evolution: "Alcatéia" (2002), "Under My Soul" (2012), and the acclaimed "Brazilian News" (2019). The latter, praised by journalist and music critic Carlos Calado, brought a special flavor to his work with Latin jazz and featured Italian trumpeter Gabriel Rosati. "Brazilian News" not only gained over 15,000 listeners in 61 countries on Spotify but also had memorable launch shows at Blue Note SP and the Extrema MG Jazz and Blues Festival in 2019.

A recent milestone in his discography is the single "Quijingue Impressions" (2021), an international collaboration featuring the award-winning Indian pianist Charu Suri and Brazilian drummer Manny Monteiro. This release reinforces Manoel Cruz's ability to

navigate different cultures and styles, creating enchanting sonic bridges.

Manoel Cruz has performed on renowned stages, including concert halls, festivals, and Sesc units throughout Brazil. His international projection began in 2013 when he was invited to close the XIV Santo Domingo Jazz Festival in the Dominican Republic – a landmark event, being the first Brazilian artist in 14 years of the festival, and featuring Sandy Gabriel, one of the greatest Dominican saxophonists. In the same year, he recorded for Sesc Instrumental Brasil and the Programa Passagem de Som TV Sesc. In 2015, he participated with his Trio, alongside Gabriel Rosati (Italy), in the IV Extrema MG Blues & Jazz Festival and the Iguape SP Jazz and Blues Festival.

Hot New Release: "LEONARDINHO" (2025) – The Electrifying Fusion of Brazilian-Electro-Jazz

Get ready for Manoel Cruz's newest work! In a highly anticipated collaboration with the acclaimed Italian trumpeter and trombonist Gabriel Rosati, Manoel is pleased to announce the release of the album "LEONARDINHO." This vibrant collection of Brazilian-Electro-Jazz arrives on June 7, 2025, on all digital platforms, promising a joyful and inspiring sonic journey.

"LEONARDINHO" is a musical celebration, inspired by the early years of Leonardinho Santiago, Gabriel Rosati's son. The album features eight original compositions by Rosati, each track a fun, descriptive, and intense portrayal of childhood experiences. The work is supported by a top-tier Brazilian rhythm section, including Manoel Cruz on bass, Ary Holland on piano, Marcio Carriel on guitar, Claudinho Oliveira on drums, and Malli on percussion.

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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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