Gafieira Rio Miami is a one-of-a-kind, 11-piece Brazilian big band created by bassist and Latin GRAMMY winner Diogo Brown. Their debut album Bring Back Samba, released in May of 2023, features many special guests including the legendary João Donato, clarinetist Anat Cohen, guitarist Chico Pinheiro and many more. To put together this samba/jazz big band, Brown called on the very best professional musicians in South Florida who share a passion for great Brazilian music. With a powerful five-piece horn section, plus bass, guitar, drums, percussion and the lovely vocals of Isa Duarte, Gafieira Rio Miami fuses samba, jazz and soul inspired by the joyous, 20th century Rio de Janeiro ballroom dance music known as “samba de gafieira”. The group’s repertoire includes gorgeous arrangements of classics by Gilberto Gil, Djavan, Alcione, Wilson das Neves, Moacir Santos and others. Get ready to experience the music, the dance, and the joyous energy of Gafieira Rio Miami!

PERFORMER BIO:
Gafieira Rio Miami is a project created by Latin GRAMMY winner Diogo Brown, a Brazilian bassist and composer who has lived in Miami for the last 15 years. Diogo is one of the most in-demand bass players in the industry, both for recording and touring, and has worked with many renowned artists such as Gloria Estefan, Laura Pausini, Buika, Nouvelle Vague, Julio Iglesias Jr, Tony Succar and many others.

In June 2021 Diogo invited two exceptional musicians to help put together the band: renowned saxophonist Dr. Pablo Gil, a Latin GRAMMY winner , and trombonist Pedro Carrero, who was the principal trombonist of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Together they recruited the very best session musicians in South Florida to put together this Brazilian big band.

The common goal of all of these phenomenal musicians is to play Brazilian dance music known as “samba de gafieira”. Hugely popular in early 20th century Rio De Janeiro, the genre has made a comeback with newer generations due to the joyous and irresistible energy of the music. Gafieira Rio Miami brings this music alive to South Florida audiences with their unique mix of samba, jazz and funk that will get everyone on the dance floor!

BAND MEMBERS:
Isa Duarte – Vocals
Diogo Brown – Bass
Cassio Coutinho – Keyboards
Ramatis Moraes – Acoustic Guitar
Hugo Sandim – Percussion
Wesley Cosvosk – Drums
Julio Andrade – Tenor Sax
Amed Torrecilla – Alto Sax
Joel Martinez – Trombone
Peter Francis – Trumpet 1
Chris Santiago – Trumpet 2