Nico Assumpção

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

Antônio Álvaro Assumpção Neto

Years Active

1970

Genres

jazz, instrumental music, MPB

Instruments

bass, double bass, electric bass

Biography

Nico Assumpção, born Antônio Álvaro Assumpção Neto, was a pioneering Brazilian double and electric bass player who established himself as one of the most prominent instrumentalists in the country's history. He began playing the bass at the age of sixteen and studied under renowned musicians like Amilton Godoy and Luis Chaves at the CLAM music school, where he later taught. In the mid-1970s, he moved to New York City to further develop his craft, performing alongside jazz greats and gaining international experience before returning to Brazil.

Upon his return, he released a landmark self-titled solo bass album in 1981, marking the first of its kind in Brazil. Relocating to Rio de Janeiro shortly thereafter, he became an essential figure in both live performances and studio sessions, contributing to hundreds of albums across various genres. His extensive discography includes collaborations with towering figures of Brazilian popular music such as Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Gal Costa.

In addition to his work in MPB and instrumental music, he maintained a vibrant career in jazz, collaborating with numerous international icons as well as prominent Brazilian artists like Eliane Elias, Airto Moreira, and Flora Purim. His technical precision, melodic approach, and versatility left a lasting impact on Brazilian bass playing. He passed away in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 46 after battling cancer.

Discography

• Nico Assumpção (1981)
• Marco Pereira & Nico Assumpção (1991)
• Wagner Tiso, Rio Cello Ensemble, Marcio Montarroyos, Nico Assumpção – Ao Vivo (1995)
• Luiz Avellar, Nico Assumpção, Kiko Freitas – Tocando Victor Assis Brasil (2000)
• Nico Assumpção, Lincoln Cheib, Nelson Faria – Três / Three