Paulo Almeida - Oferenda (2023)

‘Oferenda’, translates to ‘offering’ in Portuguese, often relating to the sacred and metaphysical. Drawing on his connection to Brazil’s rich traditions of music and spirituality, Brazilian drummer Paulo Almeida offers us his fifth album as a bandleader as a representation of his deep gratitude for life. ‘Oferenda’ is set to release on September 1st on ANUK Label.

Almeida began his studies in São Paulo, and has gone on to perform around the world with world-class musicians like Dhafer Youssef, Hermeto Pascoal and Jorge Rossy. Currently working as a professor at Jazz Campus in Basel, Switzerland, his compositions are strongly rooted in Afro-Brazilian rhythmic explorations with a European Jazz sensibility.

The lineup features a heavy-hitting quintet of musicians from all around the world; Óscar Latorre is an in demand trumpet player from Barcelona who studied under trumpet icon Ambrose Akinmusire, Thiago Alves is a Brazilian bassist with over 20 years of experience performing with the likes of Aaron Parks and Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Lorenzo Vitolo is an award winning Italian pianist, and Devin Daniels is an American alto saxophonist who is poised to become one of the next great voices of the contemporary jazz world.

‘Oferenda’ also features two special guests, Beninois guitar legend and longtime Herbie Hancock collaborator Lionel Loueke on guitar and voice, and Spanish percussionist Alberto Garcia on batás.

With a wide array of sophisticated rhythmic structures in the spotlight, the ensemble navigates their way through Almeida’s intricate compositions with confidence, ease, and personality. Rich extended harmony, expressive melodies, and explorative solos all contribute to an overarching sentiment of fearlessness and joy. Loueke’s signature style of vocal percussion as well as warm vocal melodies carrying lyrics in tribute to ancient Brazilian deities carried by Almeida himself add a deeper level of closeness to the sound, allowing the listener to join in the drummer’s appreciation and love for life.