BRAZJAZ

For several years now, this annual gathering at The JazzLab has been our way of welcoming back superb Paris-based pianist Daniel Gassin and celebrating music with the friends he loves sharing the stage with.

This year, Daniel joins an inspiring lineup of guest musicians:
Jorge Albuquerque — Bass
Carlo Barbaro — Sax & Flute
Dany Maia — Vocals

Together with BrazJaz founder and Brazilian-born percussionist Carlos Ferreira, they explore the music of Brazil’s great composers, a selection of classic American jazz pieces reimagined through Carlos’ Brazilian-infused arrangements, and his own original compositions.

A relaxed, joyful night of Samba Jazz created by friends who truly love playing together.
Come share the vibe — it’s always something special.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

DANIEL GASSIN
Daniel Gassin is an Australian pianist and composer based in Paris, known for his extensive international career. He has performed at major events including the Montreux Jazz Festival and toured widely across Europe and Africa. A versatile musician, he has collaborated with artists such as Dave Liebman and George Garzone. His group, the Daniel Gassin Crossover Band, released its debut album Change of Heart in 2021. Daniel is also a Yamaha artist.

DANY MAIA
Brazilian singer Dany Maia, originally from Bahia, blends traditional rhythms such as Samba and Forró with Bossa Nova and contemporary pop influences. Beginning her artistic life as a dancer, she later transitioned into singing, leading bands and performing at major Brazilian Carnivals. Her music reflects the vibrant cultural mix of her homeland. In 2022, she delivered a standout performance in the Melbourne Recital Centre special Dois na Bossa, produced and musically directed by Carlos Ferreira for Suingue Brazuca.

JORGE ALBUQUERQUE
Jorge Albuquerque is a bass player, guitarist, composer and arranger based in Melbourne, originally from Rio de Janeiro. He began his career in the late ’80s playing in Brazilian jazz groups such as Orquestra Oficina and Orquestra de Sax, and studied with Adriano Gifoni and Nelson Farias. His influences include Egberto Gismonti, Hermeto Pascoal, Toninho Horta, Nico Assumpção, Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Weather Report.
Jorge has recorded and performed internationally, taught at major music schools in Rio, and worked with artists including Antonio Adolfo, Nestor Torres and Nando Lauria. After extensive travels performing on cruise ships and in hotels worldwide, he is now a fixture of Melbourne’s Brazilian and jazz scenes, performing with Panorama do Brasil, Agostina Bruno, BrazJaz, Suingue Brazuca and Dany Maia.

CARLO BARBARO
Carlo Barbaro is a seasoned saxophonist and woodwind specialist from Melbourne with over 25 years of professional experience. He has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Harry Connick Jr., Maceo Parker, Paul Kelly and The Cat Empire. Carlo has toured widely and appeared at major festivals across Australia and around the world. He is currently an Associate Lecturer in Music, Jazz and Improvisation at the University of Melbourne.

CARLOS FERREIRA
Percussionist and drummer Carlos Ferreira, born in Rio de Janeiro, brings deep roots in Samba to Australia, where he has been a driving force in the Brazilian music community since 1985. He founded Melsamba (Australia’s first Samba school) in 1988, BrazJaz in 1991 and Suingue Brazuca in 2007. Carlos has performed at major festivals worldwide and is widely respected for his work in Samba Jazz and traditional Samba. He is also a leading educator and event organiser.