For several years now, this annual gathering at The Jazzlab has been our way of welcoming back the 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 with Carlos’ Brazilian-infused arrangements, and Carlos’ own 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
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DANIEL GASSIN is an Australian pianist and composer based in Paris, known for his extensive international career. He has been recognized for his performances in prestigious events, such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, and has toured globally, including in Africa and Europe. As a versatile musician, Daniel has played with renowned artists like Dave Liebman and George Garzone. His band, the Daniel Gassin Crossover Band, released its debut album Change of Heart in 2021. Daniel is also a Yamaha artist.

DANY MAIA, a Brazilian singer from Bahia, blends traditional rhythms like Samba and Forró with Bossa Nova and pop influences. She began her career as a dancer before transitioning to singing, leading bands and performing at major Brazilian Carnivals. Her dynamic music showcases the vibrant cultural mix of her hometown. Dany was featured in the 2022 Melbourne Recital Centre special DOIS NA BOSSA, which Carlos Ferrira produced and musically directed for his band Suingue Brazuca, where Dany delivered one of the standout performances of the night - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzp3FgL2eU8&t=865s)

JORGE ALBUQUERQUE is a bass player, guitarist, composer and arranger who lives in the city of Melbourne, Australia. Jorge was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started his career in the late 80’s playing in local clubs and Brazilian jazz bands as Orquestra Oficina and Orquestra de Sax.. In Brazil he studied music with Adriano Gifoni and Nelson Farias. He grew up listening to Brazilian music and Jazz. His main influences are Egberto Gismonte, Hermeto Pascoal, Toninho Horta, Nico Assumpcao, Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Weather Report. Then in 1992 started his career as music teacher , teaching bass in two of the most important schools in Rio, CIGAN and Centro Musical Antonio Adolfo. On that time did a work with Antonio Adolfo Trio, with Pascoal Meireles on Drums. In 1994, he released an album with a band Linha 176. He did his first work with Marcos Amorim recording the album Luz da Lua. He moved to Miami and played with artists as Nestor Torres, Nando Lauria, Leo Gandeman. In Miami recorded an album with Val Lupescu, Vloop trio. When in Miami he studied jazz with great teachers as Gary Campbell, Nike Horta and Denis Marks at Florida International University. From Miami he stated his passion for traveling, what it made a big impact in his music. Working in Hotels and Cruise ships he traveled around the world searching for inspirations and knowledge. Now he lives in Melbourne, Australia, and performing with his own band as well as with Panorama do Brasil, Agostina Bruno, BrazJaz, Suingue Brazuca and Dany Maya .

CARLO BARBARO is a seasoned saxophonist and woodwind artist from Melbourne, Australia, with over 25 years of professional experience. He has collaborated with a wide range of renowned musicians, including Harry Connick Jr., Maceo Parker, Paul Kelly, and The Cat Empire. Carlo has toured extensively, both nationally and internationally, and performed at leading music festivals worldwide. He is an Associate Lecturer in Music, Jazz, and Improvisation at the University of Melbourne.

CARLOS FERREIRA, a drummer/percussionist from Rio de Janeiro, brings his deep roots in Samba to Australia, where he has been a key figure in the Brazilian music scene since 1985. He founded Melsamba, Australia’s first Samba school, in 1988, followed by BrazJaz in 1991 and Suingue Brazuca in 2007 (watch Suingue Brazuca perform at the Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzp3FgL2eU8). He has performed at major festivals worldwide and is known for his work in Samba Jazz and traditional Samba. In addition to his performance career, Carlos has been a leading educator and event organizer.