Yuri Popoff

Origin

Espinosa, MG

Also known as

Iuri Menezes Popoff

Years Active

1975

Genres

instrumental music, MPB, jazz

Instruments

double bass, electric bass

Biography

Born in Espinosa, Minas Gerais, Yuri Popoff is recognized as one of the most prominent bassists and composers in contemporary Brazilian instrumental music. His professional career began in 1975 with the Campinas Symphony Orchestra, later solidifying when he joined the Minas Gerais Symphony Orchestra. With a refined and versatile technique, Popoff became a central figure in the musical scene of Minas Gerais, serving as an important link between classical and popular music.

Throughout his career, the musician has collaborated with fundamental names of MPB and the Clube da Esquina movement. Notable is his longevity in Orquestra Fantasma, the group that accompanies guitarist Toninho Horta, in addition to studio collaborations and tours with icons such as Beto Guedes, Maria Bethânia, João Donato, Wagner Tiso, and Flávio Venturini. In 1992, his artistic excellence was nationally recognized with the Sharp Award in the Best Male Revelation category.

In addition to his stage performances, Yuri Popoff has a solid academic and research career. He has been a professor at prestigious institutions such as the Estácio de Sá University and the Brazilian Conservatory of Music, where he coordinated the MPB course. His deep connection to the traditions of Minas Gerais is evidenced by his research on the congado of Montes Claros, the subject of his book 'Festa mestiça: o congado na sala de aula'. Popoff remains active in the instrumental scene, uniting influences of jazz and Brazilian folkloric roots in his work.

Discography

• Catopê (1992)
• Era Só Começo... (1999)
• Lua no Céu Congadeiro (2012)
• One (2015)
• Batom Passado (2017)
• De Paris a Minas (2019)
• Linhas que Trago nas Mãos (2026)