Adolfo Mendonça: Jazz from Brazil

World Music Weekends / Live at Timucua: Brazilian piano player and current director of jazz studies at the University Minnesota-Morris, Adolfo Mendonça brings a blend between Brazilian music and modern with emphasis on jazz improvisation and a combination between acoustic and electronic instruments. The repertoire includes his originals and modern renditions for Brazilian and modern jazz standards of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chick Corea and others, in addition to 1990s MTV music of artists such as Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden and Radiohead.

Described by jazz journalist Scott Yanow as an “adventurous jazz keyboardist with rewarding solos”, and by Jazz Weekly as having a “nice touch that reminds Joe Sample”, dolfo Mendonça has performed jazz clubs and festivals in Brazil, France, Mexico, Minnesota, North Dakota, Florida, Iowa, and Illinois, including performances at the Blue Note (Sao Paulo), Festival Jazz à Vienne (France), Jazz Central Studios (Minneapolis), NDSU Jazz Festival (Fargo) and many others.

His first album “Brazilian Childhood” has received positive reviews from JAZZIZ and Jazz Weekly, and its music was featured at the enclosed CD of JAZZIZ Winter 2023 edition. Featured trumpet player Randy Brecker described the album as “full of resounding originals and standards you’ll love. Well-crafted production and great playing from everyone involved, will take your mind off all the troubles in the world these days, so please check this out, just sit back relax and enjoy from beginning to end! Was happy to be featured on the tune: “Ponta Da Praia” of which I’m very proud…”.

This performance is part of Mendonça’s 2024 world tour that also includes concerts in Mexico, Chile (Thelonious Jazz Club), Brazil (Blue Note Sao Paulo and Rio Santos Jazz Fest) and Minneapolis and Florida in the United States.

In the words of Benoit Glazer himself: “If you like the Pat Metheny Group’s music, don’t miss this one”.

***

Part of Timucua’s 2024 World Music Weekends