NMA 2026 - Latin jazz: Brazil! Jazz, Bossas, sambas & batucadas

Latin jazz: Brazil! Jazz, Bossas, sambas & batucadas
Wednesday, August 5th at the Chestnut Tree Garden in Lectoure

Driven by the harmonic elegance and rhythmic gentleness characteristic of this repertoire, these works evoke the landscapes of Rio, the warmth of tropical nights, and that unique emotion Brazilians call saudade—a blend of nostalgia, longing, and joy. Interweaving samba, jazz, song, and film, the program also bursts with unexpected brilliance: a piano interlude with Chopin, a pop interlude with Stevie Wonder or Henri Salvador. A vibrant and colorful moment, where virtuosity and the sheer joy of playing combine to offer the audience a sunny, elegant, and profoundly lively interlude.

The audience will discover singer Cynthia Abraham, a true virtuoso of the vocal stage, who notably won First Prize at the Unisa International Jazz Voice Competition in 2018. Alongside her will be the living legend of the Cuban double bass, Felipe Cabrera, whose music blends rumba, classical, and bebop. He has played with the greatest musicians, including fourteen years with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and has also distinguished himself with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter. To complete this unique trio, pianist and arranger Johan Farjot will bring his characteristic musical freedom to guide this exceptional open-air evening.