Michel Cury - Brain Sync (2025)

The 34-year-old pianist and composer from São Paulo/Brazil, Michel Cury, will release his highly anticipated self-titled album Brain Sync. Featuring 18 special guest appearances, including 4 international ones, the album marks a turning point in his career and presents a rare collaboration of music legends from around the world. The album promises to reignite the spirit of jazz fusion and pay tribute to the genre’s key figures, which reached its peak in the 1970s, characterized by the fusion of a wide range of styles and cultures.

The album includes 9 original compositions by Michel, with lyrics by Lenine Rocha and American Alison Crockett. His music stands out for its authenticity and creative freedom, unconcerned with aesthetic or market standards. With rich and dense arrangements, the tracks feature a powerful blend of styles that encompasses jazz, samba, classical music, rock, AOR pop, and various elements of African and Cuban culture.

The album also includes performances by legendary figures at the top of the genre, such as singer Flora Purim (Return to Forever, George Duke) and Airto Moreira (Weather Report, Return to Forever), along with Americans Bob Mintzer (Jaco Pastorius, Yellow Jackets), Bobby Militello (Dave Brubeck, Maynard Ferguson), and Rufus Reid (Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Bill Evans). The connection between these legendary musicians and the young pianist is more than just a collaboration; it is the perfect balance between the frenetic energy of the new generation and the true essence of the music from the great masters.

In addition to the aforementioned artists, Michel features some of today’s biggest names: Fernando Rosa, Sidiel Vieira, Leandro Matsumoto, Thiago Espirito Santo, Glecio Nascimento, Mark, Widor Santiago, Victor Marcellus, Igor Willcox, Cuca Teixeira, and Helder Lucio.

The title Brain Sync refers to the neuroscientific phenomenon describing the alignment of brainwaves between different individuals, created through intense shared experiences such as music. For Michel Cury, the synchronization between musicians and listeners goes beyond a technical aspect, serving as a metaphor for the collective experience he aims to provide with this work. "Music is a universal language, capable of creating a unique connection. When listening to the album, I hope the audience feels completely in sync with the musicians, as if all minds are aligned on the same frequency. I want everyone to experience this musical journey, carefully crafted note by note, offering the highest level of musicianship while delivering a vast palette of flavors and emotions," he explains.

To ensure a nostalgic and genuine experience, a range of vintage instruments and effects from the 1970s and 1980s were used during the recording process. In the final stages, the album was mastered analogically on a Tascam 22-2 reel-to-reel tape, just like in the old days.