Luiz Alves

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Luiz Carlos Carvalho Alves

Years active

1959

Genres

mpb, jazz, samba, bossa nova

Instruments

double bass, bass

Biography

Luiz Carlos Carvalho Alves, born in Rio de Janeiro on October 5, 1944, is a highly respected Brazilian double bassist and composer. His career began at the young age of 15 when he formed the Trio Guanabara, performing on Rádio Mayrink Veiga. By 1962, he had fully committed to the acoustic bass, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene. Alves's early professional experiences included performances at the Sachas nightclub in Rio de Janeiro alongside notable musicians like Maestro Cipó, Abel Ferreira, and Cachimbinho. He further honed his craft by studying double bass technique at the Escola Nacional de Música under Professor Sandrino Santoro.

Alves is widely recognized as a co-founder of the influential band Som Imaginário, which played a significant role in the Brazilian music landscape of the 1970s. With Som Imaginário, he accompanied renowned artists such as Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, and Fafá de Belém, contributing to seminal albums like "Milagre dos Peixes." His collaborations extend beyond Som Imaginário, having worked with a vast array of Brazilian music icons including Tom Jobim, Dori and Nana Caymmi, Gal Costa, Sivuca, Chico Buarque, and Egberto Gismonti, among many others. His extensive discography showcases his versatility and deep involvement in various musical projects.

Throughout his illustrious career, Luiz Alves has also explored jazz and formed other notable groups. In the 1980s, he was part of the trio "O Triângulo" with Luiz Eça and Robertinho Silva. Later, he formed the Sambajazz Trio with Kiko Continentino and Clauton Sales, releasing the album "Agora Sim!" in 2006. His solo work includes the album "Mar Azul" released in 2008. Alves's contributions to Brazilian music are immense, marked by his technical prowess on the double bass, his compositional talent, and his enduring collaborations with some of the most important artists in the genre.