Alex Malheiros

Origin

Niterói, RJ

Years active

1960

Genres

jazz fusion, samba-funk, mpb, instrumental music

Instruments

electric bass, double bass, guitar, acoustic guitar

Biography

Alex Malheiros is a renowned Brazilian bassist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. He emerged as a foundational figure in Brazilian instrumental music, deeply influenced by his musical family background and early professional experiences alongside major artists like Ed Lincoln and Cauby Peixoto. In 1973, he co-founded the legendary trio Azymuth alongside José Roberto Bertrami and Ivan Conti, helping to pioneer the genre known as samba-doido and fusing jazz, funk, and Brazilian rhythms into an internationally acclaimed sound.

Throughout his extensive career, Malheiros has collaborated with iconic Brazilian musicians such as Tim Maia, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, and Marcos Valle, while maintaining a prolific solo career and remaining the enduring heartbeat of Azymuth. His distinctive groove, innovative slap technique on his signature Rickenbacker bass, and dedication to expanding the boundaries of Brazilian jazz fusion have cemented his status as a master of the electric bass. Today, he continues to perform and record, preserving the rich legacy of Brazilian groove for global audiences.