Brazilian harmonicist Gabriel Grossi releases his first live album, ‘#motion’, on Whirlwind - a joyous celebration of his career to date, dedicated to those he
loves, featuring his latest quintet: trombonist Sergio Coelho, pianist Eduardo Farias, bassist André Vasconcellos and drummer Rafael Barata. Guest appearances
including celebrated fellow countryman Hermeto Pascoal.
The passion and energy in the performances of are as crystal clear as the sounds and atmospheres he produces from one of the smallest yet evocative instruments on the bandstand. Described by legendary Toots Thielemans as his successor, Grossi’s many collaborations have included Chico Buarque, Ivan Lins, Guinga and Snarky Puppy.
Captured in Brazil over two nights, Grossi describes this as a resumé of around twenty years of icons and influencers who have been so important to him.
“Each number pays tribute to a big name from my life story.” The songs include the breezy “A Samba for Toots”, written and recorded for Thielemans when he was 92, was greatly appreciated by the great man and Hermeto Pascoal joins the quintet for his own “Latin Brothers”, full of characteristic unpredictability.
As a teenager, Grossi would take a weekly 18-hour round trip to be tutored by ‘second father’ Mauricio Einhorn, and his warm ‘Embracing Einhorn’ (“even
your saddest notes would make me smile”) brings another moment of repose. Other tracks include “A Tribute to Bituca” for good friend Milton Nascimento (“the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard”).
