Orkestra Rumpilezz

Origin

Salvador, BA

Years active

2006–presente

Genres

afro-jazz, instrumental music, jazz, samba jazz, afrobeat, samba de roda, samba duro, ijexá, samba-reggae, candomblé rhythms, afro-brazilian music, mpb

Instruments

winds, percussion, saxophone, flute, trumpet, trombone, tuba, atabaque, surdo, timbau, snare drum, agogô, pandeiro, caxixi

Biography

Orkestra Rumpilezz is a Brazilian musical group formed in Salvador, Bahia, in 2006 by the conductor, composer, and arranger Letieres Leite (1959-2021). The orchestra stands out for its unique fusion of Afro-Bahian percussion rhythms with the sound of modern jazz, creating an innovative instrumental musical proposition. The name "Rumpilezz" is a combination of the terms "Rum", "Rumpi", and "Lé", which represent the three sacred drums of Candomblé, with the last letters of the word "jazz", reflecting its main musical and cultural influences.

The lineup of Orkestra Rumpilezz consists of five percussionists and fifteen wind instrument players, forming a true big band. The compositions and arrangements, mostly authored by Letieres Leite, are conceived from the claves and rhythmic patterns of Bahia's percussion universe, inspired by major associations like Ilê Aiyê and Olodum, the samba de roda of the Recôncavo, and the rhythms of Candomblé. This approach results in instrumental music with a strong Afro-Brazilian identity, yet with a modern harmonic guise and jazz influences.

Throughout its journey, Orkestra Rumpilezz has released critically acclaimed albums and participated in major festivals in Brazil and abroad, in addition to collaborating with renowned artists such as Gilberto Gil, Lenine, Caetano Veloso, Ed Motta, and Stanley Jordan. The group has received several awards, including the Brazilian Music Award and the Bravo! Award, establishing itself as a landmark in contemporary Brazilian instrumental music. The legacy of Letieres Leite and Orkestra Rumpilezz also extends to the Rumpilezzinho social project, dedicated to the musical training of youth.