Manfredo Fest

Origin

Porto Alegre, RS

Also known as

Manfredo Irmin Fest

Genres

bossa nova, jazz

Instruments

piano, organ, saxophone, keyboards

Biography

Manfredo Irmin Fest was born in Porto Alegre on May 13, 1936. The son of a German concert pianist who taught at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Manfredo lost his sight in childhood and learned to read in Braille. With a solid background in classical music, he directed his talent toward jazz and helped found the bossa nova movement, standing out as a pianist, organist, saxophonist, arranger, and composer.

Still in his youth, Fest moved to São Paulo to play bossa nova while attending college. In 1961, he completed his degree in piano from the same university in Rio Grande do Sul and, shortly thereafter, began his professional career on the stages of bars and clubs. His first LP, "Bossa Nova, Nova Bossa", was released in 1963 with the support of musicians such as bassist Humberto Clayber, drummer Antonio Pinheiro, and saxophonist Hector Costita.

In the 1970s, the artist moved to the United States, where he joined Sérgio Mendes's group and released his acclaimed American debut album, "Jungle Cat", in 1978. Throughout his international career, Fest also collaborated with prominent ensembles, such as Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, in addition to influencing new talents, including his own son, guitarist Phill Fest. Manfredo Fest passed away on October 8, 1999, a victim of liver failure, in Tampa, Florida.

Discography

• Evolução (1964)
• Boleros Clássicos - Clásicos dos Boleros (1966)
• After Hours (1972)
• Brazilian Dorian Dream (1976)
• Jungle Kitten (1979)
• Manifestations (1979)
• Marcos Valle, Wagner Tiso, Manfredo Fest – Um Piano ao Cair da Tarde - Nacional - Volume 2 (1979)
• Braziliana (1987)
• Jungle Cat (1989)
• Oferenda (1993)
• Começar de Novo (1995)
• Inspirations From Brazil (1995)
• Fascinating Rhythm (1996)
• Dave Sletten With Manfredo Fest – Dragãu Vermelho (Red Dragon) (1996)
• Amazonas (1997)
• Just Jobim (1998)
• Hendrik Meurkens Meets Manfredo Fest – Dig This Samba! (1998)