João Donato Passes Away at 88

The Jazz world mourns the loss of João Donato, the legendary Brazilian pianist whose remarkable career spanned over seven decades. With his passing at 88, we bid farewell to a composer who fearlessly traversed genres, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian music.

Born in Rio Branco, Brazil, Donato's love for music began early. Embracing the accordion and inspired by jazz, he honed his craft as a sideman before becoming a pivotal figure in the bossa nova movement, collaborating with Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto.

While his musical journey led him to the United States and made him a highly sought-after session musician, his Brazilian heritage prompted his return, reigniting his creative passion to take on the role of musical director for the renowned Gal Costa, and leaving a mark on her albums.

In 2021, his collaboration with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad led to the release of the album "JID007" on the Jazz Is Dead label.

In a tweet, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said, "João Donato had a remarkable ability to perceive music in every aspect. He brought innovation to various genres like samba, bossa nova, jazz, forro, and blended rhythms in a truly distinctive manner. He remained a creative force, constantly pushing boundaries until his last moments."

The wake for João Donato will take place at the municipal theatre in Rio.

from https://planetradio.co.uk/