Alfredo Cardim

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

jazz, bossa nova, samba, choro, mpb

Instruments

piano

Biography

Alfredo Rodrigues Cardim, born in Rio de Janeiro on June 22, 1949, is a distinguished Brazilian pianist, composer, and arranger. His musical journey began with classical piano studies at Pro-Arte from 1957 to 1965. He further honed his skills at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied advanced piano from 1971 to 1974. His education continued with studies in arrangement and composition with Don Sebesky in 1980, followed by attendance at the Juilliard School of Music in New York the subsequent year.

Cardim's career has seen him perform as a soloist and sideman with a multitude of renowned artists. He has shared stages and studios with figures such as Claudio Roditi, Astrud Gilberto, Paquito D'Rivera, Joe Lovano, and Nana Vasconcelos, among many others. His extensive discography includes collaborations on albums like "Obras" with the Edison Machado Quartet, "Água e luz" and "Joyce live" with Joyce, and "Red on Red" with Claudio Roditi. He has also released his own albums, including "Bossa Blues" and "Bossa Nova & MPB."

Beyond his performance and recording career, Alfredo Cardim has also contributed to music education. He has taught at the Cenário (Rio de Janeiro Arts Center) and Rio Música schools. His expertise in Brazilian music is further evidenced by his co-authorship of the book "Brazilian Piano: Choro, Samba, and Bossa Nova" with Robert Willey. Cardim's work consistently bridges the worlds of jazz and Brazilian rhythms, earning him recognition both in Brazil and internationally.