Jaime Alem

Origin

Franca, SP

Years Active

1968–2023

Genres

MPB, instrumental music, choro, samba, viola caipira, baião

Instruments

acoustic guitar, viola caipira, 12-string guitar, electric guitar, piano, cello, double bass, drums, percussion, accordion

Biography

Jaime Alem is a renowned Brazilian composer, instrumentalist, arranger, and conductor, born in Franca, São Paulo, on February 21, 1952. Self-taught on the acoustic guitar, he refined his knowledge of harmony and composition with maestro Guerra-Peixe. He began his professional career at age 16, playing alongside musicians who settled in Rio de Janeiro, such as Jota Morais, Jorjão Carvalho, and Jurim Moreira. His career is marked by a deep connection to Brazilian popular music, moving between urban and regional languages, with an emphasis on the viola caipira.

Throughout his career, Jaime Alem established himself as one of Maria Bethânia's most important collaborators, acting as her musical director and arranger for about 25 years, from 1985 to 2010. This partnership yielded acclaimed albums such as "Memória da Pele", "Maria Bethânia 25 anos", and "Olho-d'água", which earned him important awards, such as the Sharp Award and the APCA award for Best Arranger. In addition to his work with Bethânia, he has composed soundtracks for theater, including "Pluft, o fantasminha" by Maria Clara Machado, and has had his compositions recorded by artists such as Elba Ramalho and the group Tarancón.

As an instrumentalist, Jaime Alem has released solo albums such as "Dez cordas do Brasil" and "Meu Relicário", exploring his versatility on the acoustic guitar and viola caipira. His work extends to the musical production of albums by other artists, such as Nair Cândia, Sueli Costa, and Moreira da Silva. His work is recognized for the sophistication of his arrangements and the sensitivity of his compositions, which frequently address themes such as nature, love, and social criticism, demonstrating the depth and relevance of his work in the Brazilian music scene.

Discography

• Jaime & Nair (1974)
• Dez Cordas do Brasil (2009)
• Meu Relicário (2014)
• Mapa de Tempo (Ao Vivo) (2026)
• Jaime Alem & Nair Cândia – Um Banquinho, um Violão...