Laurindo Almeida
02/09/1917
26/07/1995
Little known in Brazil, Laurindo de Almeida is regarded as one of the most popular Brazilian guitarist in the United States. Almeida’s major deeds were to introduce the Brazilian guitar and its singular characteristics into the American world of jazz.
Born in Miracatu, in the countryside of São Paulo, Laurindo started his music career playing the guitar at serestas (serenades). In 1935, Almeida moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he performed in two of the most prominent music venues of that period - Casino da Urca and Rádio Mayrink Veiga. He was also a prolific composer and wrote several choros and waltz tunes, some of which included the collaboration of the renowned guitarist Garoto. When the Government made gambling illegal in Brazil and several casinos were closed down, including the Casino da Urca, Laurindo, who at that time was regarded as one of the finest guitarists in Brazil, moved to the United States in 1947. There, he played in orchestras and shows, and consolidated his solo career. In 1949, Laurindo de Almeida recorded the first of a series of albums and participated in around 800 movie sountracks.
In the 60’s, Almeida was a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet and in the following decade, he played with LA4. Laurindo won 6 Grammy awards and several other prizes awarded by the record and film industry. He had an impressive and versatile career as an arranger and performer.
Laurindo made over 40 albums abroad and played on several recordings. Laurindo de Almeida worked until the very last days of his life. Laurindo recorded his last CD, "Naked Sea", with Danny Welton, two weeks before passing away.
Born in Miracatu, in the countryside of São Paulo, Laurindo started his music career playing the guitar at serestas (serenades). In 1935, Almeida moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he performed in two of the most prominent music venues of that period - Casino da Urca and Rádio Mayrink Veiga. He was also a prolific composer and wrote several choros and waltz tunes, some of which included the collaboration of the renowned guitarist Garoto. When the Government made gambling illegal in Brazil and several casinos were closed down, including the Casino da Urca, Laurindo, who at that time was regarded as one of the finest guitarists in Brazil, moved to the United States in 1947. There, he played in orchestras and shows, and consolidated his solo career. In 1949, Laurindo de Almeida recorded the first of a series of albums and participated in around 800 movie sountracks.
In the 60’s, Almeida was a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet and in the following decade, he played with LA4. Laurindo won 6 Grammy awards and several other prizes awarded by the record and film industry. He had an impressive and versatile career as an arranger and performer.
Laurindo made over 40 albums abroad and played on several recordings. Laurindo de Almeida worked until the very last days of his life. Laurindo recorded his last CD, "Naked Sea", with Danny Welton, two weeks before passing away.
Discography
Discos de carreira
DUETS WITH SPANISH GUITAR - LAURINDO ALMEIDA (Violão), SALLI TERRI (Mezzo Soprano) E MARTIN RUDERMAN (Flauta)
EMI-Angel - 1991
MUSIC OF THE BRAZILIAN MASTERS - LAURINDO ALMEIDA, CARLOS BARBOSA-LIMA E CHARLIE BYRD
Concord Jazz (USA) - 1989
SELECTED CLASSICAL WORKS FOR GUITAR & FLUTE - LAURINDO ALMEIDA E BUD SHANK
Concord Jazz (USA) - 1982
SUÍTE POPULAR BRASILEIRA PARA VIOLÃO E PIANO - RADAMÉS GNATTALI e LAURINDO DE ALMEIDA
Continental - 1956
Caixas/2 em 1
SÉRIE BRAZILLIANCE - VOL. 2: "Brazilliance - Vol. 2" e "Brazilliance - Vol. 3"
World Pacific (USA) - 1991
