Arthur Maia

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1979–2018

Genres

jazz, funk, samba, swing, reggae, instrumental music

Instruments

electric bass, bass guitar, fretless bass, drums

Biography

Arthur Maia was a renowned Brazilian musician born in Rio de Janeiro. He was the nephew of the legendary bassist Luizão Maia, from whom he learned his initial techniques and inherited a unique sensitivity for the instrument. Initially starting his musical journey on the drums, he transitioned to the electric bass at the age of seventeen and ultimately redefined its role, transforming it from a mere accompaniment tool into an instrument capable of stunning melodic solos and sophisticated fretless playing. His distinctive style seamlessly blended elements of jazz, funk, samba, swing, and reggae, earning him widespread acclaim from critics and fellow artists alike, including Gilberto Gil and Djavan.

Throughout his illustrious career, Maia performed and recorded with a stellar roster of Brazilian and international icons, such as Ivan Lins, Luiz Melodia, Lulu Santos, Jorge Benjor, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Marisa Monte, and Roberto Carlos. He was also a prominent member of several celebrated bands, including Pulsar, Banda Black Rio, Egotrip, and the instrumental group Cama de Gato, alongside participating in major global music gatherings like the Montreux Jazz Festival and the New York Jazz Festival. In addition to his musical endeavors, he served as the Secretary of Culture for the city of Niterói from 2013 to 2016.

Maia released notable solo works, starting with his debut album in 1990 which earned him a Sharp Award, followed by subsequent acclaimed releases like "Sonora" and "O Tempo e a Música". His mastery of the bass guitar made him one of the most sought-after session and live musicians of his generation, leaving an indelible mark on instrumental music in Brazil. He passed away in Niterói in December 2018, leaving behind a profound legacy of musical innovation and artistry alongside collaborators like Seu Jorge and Mart'nália.

Discography

• Alceu Maia, Valmar de Amorim, Mão de Vaca & Arthur Maia – Improvisos - Cavaquinho, Violão, Baixo e Bateria Nota 10 (1984)
• Gilson Peranzzetta, Arthur Maia – Tom & Villa - A Música de Heitor Villa-Lobos e Antonio Carlos Jobim (1986)
• Maia (1990)
• Arthur Maia (1995)
• Arthur Maia & Hiram Bullock – Black Fusion Band ao vivo (2000)
• Planeta Música (2002)
• O Tempo e a Música (2007)
• Arthur Maia, Carlos Malta, Marcos Suzano, Victor Biglione – Ao Vivo em Vitória (2007)
• Todas As Bossas - TV Brasil (En Vivo) (2017)
• Ao Vivo (2019)
• Nelson Faria Convida Arthur Maia: Um Café Lá em Casa (Ao Vivo) (2019)