After Cyro Baptista launched the volatile rhythm and dance ensemble Beat the Donkey, the mad scientist of Brazilian percussion decided he wanted to unleash his imagination in a stripped-down musical setting. Thus was born Supergenerous, then a duo with Kevin Breit, a Canadian guitar star whose many credits include Cassandra Wilson, Bill Frisell and Lou Reed.
Blue Note released the duo’s self-titled debut in 2000, and their playful repertoire combining jazz, country and samba earned critical raves. The group’s 2008 follow-up, São Paulo Slim, elaborated on their vision, and now they’ve expanded to become a trio with Ugandan bassist Ian de Souza (Jesse Cook).
Born and raised in São Paulo, Baptista has been a major force in world music for three decades, touring and recording with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma (the Brazil Project), Herbie Hancock (Gershwin’s World), Paul Simon (Rhythm of the Saints) and Wynton Marsalis (Brazilian Carnaval) to name a few. With hypnotic percussion and multi-layered string wizardry, Supergenerous is guaranteed to tear the house down — and raise your pulse!
