Marcos Resende

Origin

Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, ES

Also known as

Marcos Viana de Resende, José Marcos Filgueira Resende

Years active

1971–2020

Genres

jazz fusion, progressive rock, instrumental, jazz

Instruments

keyboards, piano, accordion

Biography

Marcos Resende was a highly regarded Brazilian pianist, composer, and keyboardist, known for his innovative contributions to instrumental music. Born in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, in 1947, Resende displayed prodigious musical talent from a young age, learning the accordion at two and teaching himself piano by six. Despite his early aptitude, he pursued medical studies in Lisbon during the 1960s, though his passion for music remained a driving force. He formed a trio in Portugal that gained recognition, even opening for Dexter Gordon at the Cascais Jazz Festival in 1971. This period also saw him co-found the prog-jazz group Status, which shared stages with notable international artists, though no recordings from Status are known to exist.

Upon returning to Brazil in 1974, Resende immersed himself in the vibrant Brazilian music scene, drawing inspiration from jazz and progressive rock. He assembled a formidable keyboard arsenal and formed a quartet with Rubão Sabino (bass), Claudio Caribé (drums), and Oberdan Magalhães (saxophone, flute). This collaboration led to the recording of his self-titled debut album, "Marcos Resende & Index," in 1976, engineered by the renowned Toninho Barbosa. Although the album was recorded, it remained unreleased for decades, eventually seeing the light of day in 2021 through Far Out Recordings, a testament to Resende's enduring artistry. He also released "Festa Para Um Novo Rei" with his band Index in 1978, a significant work in Brazilian instrumental music.

Resende's career extended beyond his own projects; he was a sought-after session keyboardist and arranger, working with prominent Brazilian artists and contributing to television and film soundtracks. His influence can be heard in the sophisticated arrangements and masterful keyboard work that characterized his music, often blending Brazilian rhythms with jazz improvisation. Marcos Resende passed away in November 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy as a pioneer of Brazilian instrumental and jazz fusion music. His work continues to be celebrated for its innovation and musical depth, solidifying his place among Brazil's esteemed musicians.