This talented band from Rio shows how deeply intertwined samba and jazz have become within the elite community of musicians in the Cidade Maravilhosa. To boot, the members of Jazzafinado are, I believe, all under 30.

The name is a play on words. Afinar means to tune as in ‘to tune an instrument. João Gilberto made the song Desafinado famous; it is a classic Bossa Nova masterpiece. Jazz + afinado would mean something like tuned for jazz.

When I was introduced to Rodrigo Scofield in Rio in 2003, the name jumped right out at me. John Scofield, the famous American jazz guitarist and alumnus of Miles Davis’ band, certainly does not have an identifiably Brazilian last name. Rodrigo and I spoke at length and eventually the topic of his name came up. It turns out he is in fact related to the jazz legend; apparently one of John’s relatives had disappeared into Brazil some time ago, carrying with him the Scofield family name. Rodrigo approach John at a concert in Rio years back and confirmed their relation! Small world.

Well, talent must run in their blood, and anyone who knows John Scofield’s work would be justifiably curious as to what this talent could yield if raised in a hotbed of world music influences such as Rio de Janeiro. Simply put, Rodrigo (who is in his twenties) is one of the most talented drummers I have ever seen, and I have experience working with some very heavyweight drummers in my other life as a music producer (including recording the original Bossa Nova band’s drummer Joe Hunt among others).

I used to go see Jazzafinado in Rio at the Quiosque Arabe, on of the many kiosks that line Lagoa in Rio. The kiosks are these terrific outdoor restaurant/bars with tons of tables and live music. Many of them are themed internationally, so even if you say lá no Arabe many people will know that you are referring to that restaurant.

The band used to pull me up on stage and make me play a tune or two with them on bass. It was sort of embarassing for me as I couldn’t really keep up with them; they are such amazing pros! Note to musicians: if you go to see music in Brazil and hte band finds out you play an instrument, be prepared to play a set!

Click to hear them now!