I first saw Marco Lobo last year at Brazil’s Rio Das Ostras Jazz and Blues Festival playing with the Billy Cobham band. This acclaimed and eclectic Brazilian percussionist, born in Salvador, extracts amazing sounds from the most unexpected objects. The first stages of his career as a percussionist began in Salvador’s nightclub circuit, with Abel Lobo and Jorge Zarath. After that, he joined musical groups from Bahia, such as those of Luiz Caldas; Margareth Menezes & Saul Barbosa; Armandinho, Dodô and Osmar.
A truly unique talent with an engaging, thousand watt personality. What Marco does with everyday objects, natural and man made is not a gimmick, rather an extraordinary ability to draw new sounds and rhythms from a stunning array of sources. Don’t miss tonight’s show live from Jazz Nos Fundos in Sao Paulo, Brazil at www.showgo.tv/clubs/jazznosfundos at 6pm PT/9pm ET.
Here are two YouTube videos for a sneak peak at what to expect. One Marco up close and the other at a show with Billy in central Asia at the Balu Festival.
And, finally, this bit of video shot on my iPad as the band was warming up for the Rio das Ostras Festival’s closing show on a Sunday afternoon, after playing in a downpour the night before. You’ll see Marco walking about the stage but mostly a walk about the audience having a very good time.
