André Penazzi

Origin

Rio Claro, SP

Also known as

André Penazzi Filho

Years Active

1935

Genres

MPB, samba, choro, jazz

Instruments

organ, piano

Biography

André Penazzi Filho was a Brazilian organist, pianist, and composer, born in Rio Claro, São Paulo, in 1914. He began his professional career in 1935, working as a pianist in nightclubs and radio stations, such as Rádio Bandeirante and Rádio Tupi, both in São Paulo. His skill at the piano led him to perform in renowned nightclubs, such as "Roof da Gazeta", where he played for three consecutive years (1942-1945). In 1945, he moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he also performed in Copacabana nightclubs, before returning to São Paulo for the inauguration of the Oásis nightclub. It was around this time that Penazzi began working as an organist.

Throughout his career, André Penazzi released several albums, standing out for the "Órgão Samba Percussão" series, which achieved great commercial success, especially starting in 1962 when he joined the Audio Fidelity record label. His records, which featured instrumental arrangements of popular Brazilian songs, achieved significant sales in an era dominated by Bossa Nova. Among his notable albums are "A volta de André Penazzi" (1967), "Órgão Samba Percussão Vol. 1, 2 e 3" (1963), and "Novo Órgão Samba Percussão" (1970).

Penazzi also recorded his own compositions, such as the choro "Maluquinho" and the song "Folha seca". His work includes interpretations of Brazilian music classics, such as "A voz do morro" by Zé Keti, "Chega de saudade" by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, and "Maracangalha" by Dorival Caymmi. His music, with a sound reminiscent of Walter Wanderley, is today considered by many to be "cult" and a "square groove". André Penazzi also had his work recorded on compilations and is remembered for his contribution to Brazilian instrumental music.

Discography

• E Suas Músicas para Danças (1959)
• Maxixa, Meu Bem (1959)
• Orgão Samba Percussão Vol. 2 (1963)
• Organ Jazz Samba & Percussion (1963)
• Um Órgão no Samba (1963)
• Órgão Samba Percussão Terceiro Volume (1964)
• Orgão/Balanço/Percussão (1965)
• A Volta de André Penazzi (1967)
• Orgão Samba Percussão Vol. 4 (1968)
• Órgão, Penumbra e Amor Volume 2 (1969)
• Novo Órgão Samba Percussão (1970)
• Órgão, Penumbra e Amor (1971)
• Percussion Brazilian Samba (1973)