Nelson Ayres

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1961

Genres

jazz, brazilian instrumental music, choro, samba, xote, forró

Instruments

piano, accordion

Biography

Nelson Ayres is a renowned Brazilian pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor, born in São Paulo on January 14, 1947. His musical career began with accordion studies at age five, evolving to the piano in his teens. Ayres is recognized for his versatility, moving fluidly between jazz, Brazilian instrumental music, and arrangements for various renowned artists.

Throughout his career, Nelson Ayres has been a pioneer on several fronts. He was one of the first Brazilians to study at the Berklee College of Music in the United States, where he honed his skills as a pianist and arranger. Upon returning to Brazil, he founded the "Nelson Ayres Band" and, later, the group Pau Brasil, which explored the fusion of Brazilian and international elements. His ten-year tenure as conductor of the São Paulo Jazz Sinfônica Orchestra was fundamental to the orchestra's success and prominence.

Ayres has also collaborated with a vast array of Brazilian artists, working as an arranger and musician for names such as Milton Nascimento, Simone, Ivan Lins, Roberto Carlos, Edu Lobo, Gonzaguinha, Paulinho Nogueira, and Chico Buarque. His work encompasses not only popular music, but also film scores, theater plays, and ballets, demonstrating the breadth of his talent. His discography highlights albums such as "Mantiqueira", "Perto do Coração", and "DUO", in partnership with Ricardo Herz, which solidify his legacy in Brazilian instrumental music.

Discography

• MPBC - Nelson Ayres (Música Popular Brasileira Contemporânea) (1978)
• Invisible Threads (2018)