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Airto Moreira - Find out about the maestro who'll open for Seu Jorge in London

by Lucas Berti


Seu Jorge is constantly in the media spotlight, be it on the radio or the silver screen (The Escapist, by the way, is the most recent film he's starred in). It would be a sin then for a Brasilian musician to have no idea who Seu Jorge was. Airto Moreira, percussionist, drummer, singer and musical producer, is a sinner. Before being invited to open for the singer on the 21st May here in London, Airto didn't even know that Seu Jorge existed. But forgive him his sins! Seu Jorge is still a beginner compared to some of the other "Georges" Airto's worked with, such as George Benson. Benson is just one of the many artists Airto has collaborated with, a highlight being the legendary Miles Davis.

During the `60s, when he still lived in Brasil, Airto was drummer for the innovative Quarteto Novo, a band formed by Hermeto Pascoal. Since then, he's gone on to release over 50 solo albums and collaborated innumerous times with other artists. On the 21st, the musician with a career spanning half a century will perform solo, without a band, creating what he calls a Workshow. It remains to be seen whether or not Seu Jorge will be added to Airto's list of illustrious special guests or vice-versa. On the 22nd, at the 606 Club, Airata will be making a special guest appearance for Banda Arakatuba. On the 24th, he'll be taking to Brighton and playing alongside experimental jazz musicians Medeski Martin and Wood. This year he'll also be taking part in an innovative project in Brasil, co-producing the album Florabrasileira for his wife and partner, singer Flora Purim. But if you want to find out more about Airto, then download his most well-known song, "Samba de Janeiro" remixed by German duo Bellini, which was a hit in 28 different countries. With so many collaborations, three great opportunities to watch him play in the UK and the old "wireless" at home, the real sinner is anyone who hasn't heard of Airto after May. (For a complete profile on Airton, check out our site).
live!
21/05
Royal Festival Hall
Southbankcentre.com

More dates:
22/05 – 606 Club, LONDON
24/05 – Brigthon Festival, BRIGTHON
www.airto.com