The music bears traces of slavery, carnival and Afro-Brazilian spirituality, while Freitas’ determined journey from growing up in the poorer neighbourhoods of Recife to performing on international stages has established him as one of the continent’s most virtuosic and original jazz musicians.
His breakthrough albums Sangue Negro and Rasif established him as a distinctive force in new Brazilian jazz, while Sankofa explored forgotten histories and philosophies within Black Brazilian culture. With the critically acclaimed album Y’Y (2024), he expands the perspective further, drawing inspiration from the Amazon and Indigenous understandings of the power of nature. The album features collaborations with artists including Shabaka Hutchings, Brandee Younger, Jeff Parker and Hamid Drake, resulting in music that moves between the earthy, the ritualistic and the experimental.
Freitas’ “decolonised” approach to Brazilian music – a liberation from established frameworks in favour of identity, history and nature – has earned him international recognition. North Sea Jazz Festival recently awarded him the highly prestigious Paul Acket Award 2026, which he will receive this summer.
On stage, the trio is known for an energy that is raw, rhythmic and deeply spiritual. The opportunity to present Amaro Freitas to audiences in Stavanger for the first time is a particularly exciting one.
This is a rare opportunity to experience one of today’s most visionary pianists – and a trio bringing new life to the future of piano jazz.
Line-up:
- Amaro Freitas – piano
- Rodrigo Braz – drums
- Sidiel Vieira – double bass
