The world-renowned guitarist will debut his trio in North America with very select dates at Sony Hall in New York, followed by performances at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival and also Vail Jazz in Colorado.
Yamandu Costa – 7-string guitar
Guto Wirtti – bass
Richard Scofano – bandoneón
Yamandu Costa is a spectacular 7 string guitarist and composer who makes music with soulful passion, playful grace, and stunning virtuosity that has transcended the borders of Brazil and become universally acclaimed wherever he performs. Born into a musical family in Rio Grande do Sul, he began to play at age 6 and learned a staggering variety of styles like choro, South American folk, tango, milonga, chamamé, indigenous genres, and jazz – an eclecticism that marks his virtuosity and makes his technical skill far more striking and instantly accessible. Nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2010, 2014 and 2018, Yamandu is a unique guitar player, composer and arranger, improviser and interpreter who does not fit into a single category, but instead creates his own when playing his 7-string guitar. Extensive touring has showcased his genius and natural ability of enchanting the audience at sold out venues around the world. Many musicians have invited Yamandu for live projects and recordings including Bobby McFerrin, Richard Galliano, Doug de Vries, Gilberto Gil, Toquinho, João Bosco, Ney Matogrosso, Marisa Monte, Renato Borghetti and many more. Yamandu has recorded 14 CDs and 3 DVDs, solo, in duo or with his trio. He has also performed as featured soloist with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra of São Paulo, Calgary Philharmonic, and the Orchestre National de France.
Joining Yamandu on stage will be two outstanding musicians: Guto Wirtti on bass and Richard Scofano on bandoneón. A superlative master of his instrument, Scofano was born in Paso de Los Libres, Argentina, and is the descendant of three generations of musicians. Beyond his renowned stunning virtuosity, musicality and sensibility, Scofano is also an accomplished composer, arranger, and musical director. He composed original works for bandoneón and orchestra that were performed in Chicago and Buenos Aires. Bassist Guto Wirtti is also a native of Rio Grande do Sul and has been friends and collaborator with Yamandu Costa for many years. He is one of the most respected and in-demand musicians in Brazilian music today, having worked with João Bosco, Chico Buarque, Leo Gandelman, Hamilton de Holanda, Ed Motta, Milton Nascimento, Jorge Ben Jor, among many others. Wirtti has performed on several albums with Yamandu including “Lida” (2006), “Ida e Volta”, “Continente” (2013), “Bailongo” (2014) and “Recanto” (2017).