Banda Savana

Years Active

1985

Genres

big band, brazilian jazz, instrumental music

Instruments

trumpet, saxophone, trombone, piano, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, flugelhorn

Biography

Banda Savana is an instrumental big band founded in 1985, led by trumpeter, arranger, composer, and conductor José Roberto Branco. The band is known for its sophisticated arrangements of Brazilian popular music, often incorporating jazz elements. Their repertoire includes re-interpretations of bossa nova classics such as "Chega de Saudade," "Garota de Ipanema," and "Desafinado".

Over the years, Banda Savana has released several albums, including "Brazilian Movements" (1991) and "Brazilian Portraits" (1993). These recordings feature a large ensemble of musicians, often numbering around 19 members, with a significant brass section. The band has collaborated with various musicians and arrangers within the Brazilian music scene, contributing to the rich landscape of Brazilian instrumental music.

Banda Savana continues to perform and maintain the tradition of big bands in Brazil, reconfiguring the format within a contemporary Brazilian context by integrating improvisation, orchestral rigor, and shared listening practices. Their work is recognized for its contribution to instrumental music, showcasing a blend of technical proficiency and creative arrangements.