Amaro Freitas has a wonderful way of incorporating sounds related to the places he’s come from, such as the favelas of Recife – or locations he’s journeyed to, such as the dense Amazon rainforest, where he visited the indigenous community of Sateré Mawé. In the Amaro Freitas Trio, his sensitive piano playing is complemented by a rhythm section comprising Rodrigo Braz (drums) and Sidiel Vieira (double bass). That set-up may sound classical or conventional, but the same can definitely not be said for the music. Through his Afro-Brazilian rhythms, indigenous sounds and spiritual jazz improvisations, Freitas explains that he is 'decolonizing' Brazilian jazz. He has played all over the world since his first album in 2016, has been praised by the international jazz press, and was also assisted by Shabaka Hutchings for his latest album Y'Y. He made an appearance at the festival two years ago, and we are fortunate to have him back with us again this year, this time honored with the Paul Acket Award.
