Carlos Bica is a celebrated jazz bassist from Portugal. You can hear the musical influences of his homeland in his work, with a sense of saudade (longing) an intrinsic quality of Fado. He and is often cited for his lyrical approach to playing. He’s been compared to the great Charlie Haden, who was a critical figure in redefining the way the bass is employed in the genre, not just as a means to propel the rhythm but also as a key to melody and harmonics.

Bica studied in both Lisbon at the Academia dos Amadores de Musica and at the Hochschule für Musik in Würzburg, Germany. He quickly made a name for himself on the European jazz scene and was named "Musician of the Year" in Portugal in 1998 and 1996. His first trio, Azul, released an eponymous debut in 1996, and since then he’s recorded with a variety of musicians, including Fado singers like Carlos do Carmo and Cristina Branco, among others, as well as jazz Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kenny Wheeler and many others, and the genre-defying John Zorn. He’s also composed music for theatre, dance and film.

His work is often pensive and delicate with “the rare ability to write melodies that essentially are songs without words, haunting and unforgettable.” (All About Jazz) His latest release is no exception. 11:11 takes the listener on a lovely journey where you can enjoy the vibe and the exceptional writing and musicianship from Bica’s band, José Soares on alto sax, vibist Eduardo Cardinho, and Gonçalo Neto and guitar and banjo. The result is highly engaging music for those who love strings (like me).

THE JAZZ CAFE

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