Vinícius Mendes: Macunaísmo Tardio Vol. 1 & 2

''Clube Da Esquina, a musical movement born in Belo Horizonte, is the principal means through which I was able to access the different sounds and styles that exist within my music. People like Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges, Nelson Angelo, and Novelli brought me closer to jazz and to the experimentation that '70s Brazilian music made possible. Whether it be a jazz waltz, a samba, or a baião, it can be ‘Brazilian music’ as long as it’s made in Brazil.” — Vinícius Mendes

Vinícius Mendes is a saxophonist, flautist, composer, improviser, and researcher hailing from Minas Gerais, Brazil. This region is renowned not only for its wealth of minerals but also for its rich musical heritage, heavily influenced by pioneers like Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges. Mendes graduated from the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, a prestigious center for music education, with a BA in Popular Music and an MA in Music. His academic pursuits led him to research improvisation in free jazz and Brazilian popular instrumental music, shaping his unique artistic voice.

In 2014, Mendes debuted his first instrumental work at the Savassi Jazz Festival, and in 2015, he released the album NAU, which fused free jazz with traditional Brazilian styles. This laid the groundwork for his upcoming project, Macunaísmo Tardio, recorded in two volumes: Volume One in 2021 and Volume Two in 2022. Released via Sonar Kollektiv’s sub-label Notes On A Journey, this album is a celebration of both original compositions and fresh arrangements of Brazilian classics.

Macunaísmo Tardio features stunning reinterpretations of works by artists like Lucca Noacco and Toninho Horta, alongside a breathtaking version of Joyce Moreno's dance floor classic "Aldeia de Ogum." With Mendes at the helm, this album promises to blend the essence of Brazilian music with innovative improvisation, showcasing the depth and diversity of a genre that continues to evolve. Prepare for an auditory journey that highlights Mendes' profound connection to his roots while embracing the expansive possibilities of contemporary music.

Discover here.