Brazilian pianist Amaro Freitas was born in the slums of the northeastern coastal city of Recife and worked his way from there to become one of the most acclaimed musicians of Brazilian jazz. With his unique perspective and touch on the piano keyboard, he is a true revelation, influenced by Moacir Santos, Hermeto Pascoal and Gismonit, as well as by the great pianists such as Monk, Jarret and Corea. In the process, Freitas connects more and more with the web of the international black jazz community.

On his forthcoming album "Y'Y," he gets help from Shabaka Hutchings from London, harpist Brandee Younger from New York, bassist Aniel Someillan from Cuba and guitarist Jeff Parker and drummer Hamid Drake from the thriving avant-garde jazz scene in Chicago, among others. Together with them, Freitas goes in search of his roots and ancestors, aiming to unearth stories, symbols and philosophies that existed before the impact of Brazilian colonialism. A recurring theme in his work.

For "Y'Y," Amaro Freitas traveled to Manaus, in the Amazon basin 4600 west of his hometown. In the wilderness, he found a new source of creativity, rooted in the magic and possibilities of the place and inspired by connections to the original Sateré Mawé community. He calls "Y'Y" an homage to the Amazon forest and rivers of northern Brazil: "a call to live, feel, respect and care for nature and recognize it as an ancestor."

“In terms of both composition and improvisation, this is a totally gripping, vibrant and original synthesis of jazz and Brazilian music.” The Wire

“You can quite easily forget that piano is a percussion instrument, but when you hear the playing of Amaro Freitas it suddenly becomes very very clear” BBC Radio 6

“Amaro Freitas has one of the most fascinating and unprecedented piano styles” Stereogum