Jayme Marques

Origin

Campo Grande, MS

Also known as

Jayme Marques Serrano

Years Active

1956–present

Genres

bossa nova, MPB, jazz, samba jazz, latin jazz

Instruments

guitar, vocals, keyboards, classical guitar, electric guitar

Biography

Jayme Marques Serrano, born in Campo Grande, Brazil, on June 12, 1936, is a highly respected Brazilian guitarist, singer, arranger, and composer. He is renowned for his pivotal role in introducing Brazilian music, particularly Bossa Nova, to Europe in the 1960s, starting in Spain and later expanding to England. Marques also extended his musical reach to Asia, directing the Orquestra Orfeu Negro at the Copacabana Club in Tokyo, Japan, during 1963-1964. Throughout his extensive career, he has released numerous studio albums, live recordings, compilations, and soundtracks, while also participating in various television programs. His contributions have earned him significant recognition, establishing him as an icon of Brazilian music in Spain and a major proponent of live jazz.

Marques's musical journey began in São Paulo in 1956, where he honed his skills as a jazz guitarist and session musician. His early career included collaborations with notable musicians like pianist Robledo and saxophonist Gato Barbieri. His dedication to Bossa Nova and jazz led him to become a fixture in European jazz clubs, performing both solo and with his ensembles. He has shared stages with international artists such as Jacques Brel, Tom Jones, Maria Creuza, Pat Metheny, and Celia Cruz, as well as prominent Spanish musicians like Paco de Lucía and Tete Montoliú. His influence extends to education, with his book "La Guitarra en la Bossa Nova" being a significant resource for aspiring guitarists.

Beyond his performance and recording career, Jayme Marques has also been active as an orchestra conductor, leading the "Jayme Marques All Stars Big Band" and later the "Swingphonic Orchestra." In recognition of his profound impact on music, he received a tribute in Madrid in 2016 on his 80th birthday, where over forty artists gathered to celebrate his legacy. Marques continues to be an influential figure, celebrated for his masterful guitar playing, his role as a cultural ambassador for Brazilian music, and his enduring passion for jazz.