Cyro Baptista

Cyro Baptista
300x200px Cyro Baptista performing in Marciac, France, in 2008
Background information
Born	(1950-12-23) December 23, 1950
Origin	São Paulo, Brazil
Genres	Jazz, Jazz fusion, world music
Occupation(s)	musician
Instruments	Percussion
Associated acts	Beat the Donkey, many others

Cyro Baptista (born December 23, 1950) is a Brazilian musician, teacher, and recording artist specializing in percussion in the genres of jazz and world music.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Baptista arrived in the U.S. in 1980 with a scholarship to the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio. He has recorded and toured regularly with popular musicians and groups. Baptista creates many of the percussion instruments he plays.

Recordings

Baptista recorded with pianist Herbie Hancock on his 2005 release, Possibilities. In 2002 Baptista toured with Yo-Yo Ma’s Brazil Project and also appeared on the Obrigado Brazil album – winner of two Grammy awards. He also toured with Trey Anastasio of Phish and John Zorn. He recorded and performed worldwide with Herbie Hancock’s Grammy award winning Gershwin’s World. Baptista collaborated with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for a Brazilian Carnival modern jazz concert. For over two years, he toured with Paul Simon's Rhythm of the Saints tour and appears on his Concert in Central Park release. He also toured worldwide with Sting in 2001.

Baptista has performed or recorded with many artists, including: Trey Anastasio, Laurie Anderson, Derek Bailey, Gato Barbieri, Daniel Barenboim, Kathleen Battle, David Byrne, Dr. John, Brian Eno, Melissa Etheridge, Stephen Kent, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Medeski Martin & Wood, Robert Palmer, Carlos Santana, Tim Sparks, Spyro Gyra, Sting, James Taylor, Michael Tilson Thomas, Yo-Yo Ma, and John Zorn. He has also played with many noted Brazilian artists such as Badi Assad, Ivan Lins, Marisa Monte, Milton Nascimento, Nana Vasconcelos and Caetano Veloso.

Baptista has performed on five Grammy award winning albums: Yo-Yo Ma’s Obrigado Brazil, Cassandra Wilson’s Blue Light 'Til Dawn, The Chieftains’ Santiago, Ivan Lins’ A Love Affair, and Herbie Hancock’s Gershwin’s World. A documentary on Baptista’s project, Beat the Donkey, recorded for the WGBH-TV Boston program ‘La Plaza’, won 3 New England EMMY Awards in 2002.

Baptista appeared in Nicolas Humbert and Werner Penzel's 1990 documentary film on Fred Frith, Step Across the Border. He has also composed music for programs on the children's television network Nickelodeon.

Beat the Donkey

Baptista formed Beat the Donkey, a percussion and dance ensemble in 2002. The debut self-titled album Beat the Donkey (Tzadik) was picked by Jon Pareles of The New York Times as one of the ten best alternative albums of 2002. Readers of JAZZIZ and DRUM magazine voted it as “Best Brazilian CD of the Year” and named him "Best Percussionist of 2002." Downbeat Magazine’s 51st annual critics’ poll selected Baptista as ‘Rising Star’ in percussion. The group released its second album, Love the Donkey on John Zorn's independent Tzadik record label in 2005.

Other solo releases

Baptista's first solo recording in 1997, Villa Lobos/Vira Loucos, is a mix of his own compositions with the work of the Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. It was called "the most courageous, bright, funny, dramatic, and imaginative work in recent memory."

Blue Note Records released Supergenerous, a duo CD recorded with guitarist Kevin Breit (KD Lang, Cassandra Wilson). Billboard called Supergenerous "pure aural pleasure" and the Washington Post noted it "a marvelous debut that manages to feel outside and intimate at the same time."

Baptista conducts educational "rhythm workshops" in a variety of formats. He has provided presentations for a range of audiences, from elementary school children to professional musicians.

He has conducted workshops and master classes at numerous institutions throughout the world. These include Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA), The New School (New York City), Drummer's Collective (New York City), Mannes College of Music (New York City), New World Symphony Orchestra (Miami, FL) and Rimon School of Music (Tel-Aviv, Israel).

Awards

In 2009 Baptista won a Fellow Award in Music from United States Artists.

Discography

• 2010: Caym: Book of Angels Volume 17 with Banquet of the Spirits (Tzadik)
• 2009: Infinito – Cyro Baptista's Banquet of the Spirits (Tzadik)
• 2008: Banquet of the Spirits – Cyro Baptista (Tzadik)
• 2005: Love the Donkey – Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey (Tzadik) – also released as Beat the Donkey Beat
• 2002: Beat the Donkey – Cyro Baptista & Beat the Donkey (Tzadik)
• 2000: Supergenerous – Cyro Baptista & Kevin Breit (Blue Note)
• 1997: Vira Loucos – Cyro Baptista (Avant)
• 1988: Cyro – Derek Bailey & Cyro Baptists (Incus)

Recordings as guest performer (by artist)

• Geri Allen – Eyes in the Back of Your Head (Blue Note, 1997)
• Trey Anastasio – Bar 17. Rubber Jungle Records 2006
• Trey Anastasio – Shine. Elektra 2005
• Trey Anastasio – Plasma. Elektra 2003
• Trey Anastasio – "Alive Again. Electra 2002
• Gabriela Anders – Wanting. Warner Brothers 1998
• Laurie Anderson – Strange Angels. Warner 1994
• Laurie Anderson – Bright Red. Warner 1994
• Peter Apfelbaum and the New York Hieroglyphics – It Is Written. The ACT Company 2005
• Wilson Asfora – Journey To The Badlands. WTA 1996
• Badi Assad – Rhythms. Chesky 1995
• Susana Baca – Eco de Sombras. Luaka Bop 2000
• Derek Bailey & Cyro Baptista – Cyro. Incus 1987
• Derek Bailey & Cyro Baptista – Derek. Amulet 2006
• Gato Barbieri – Que Pasa. Sony 1997
• Daniel Barenboim – Brazilian Rhapsody. Teldec 2000
• Kathleen Battle – So Many Stars. Sony 1995
• Tony Bennett – Duets. RPM Records/Columbia 2006
• Ronnie Bird – One World. PEM 1992
• Chris Botti – First Wish. Verve 1995
• Edie Brickell – Picture Perfect Morning. Geffen 1994
• David Byrne – Rei Momo (Warner Bros., 1989)
• James Carter – Chasin' the Gypsy. Atlantic 2000
• Tommy Cecil – Samba For Felix. Slider 1999
• Tony Cedras – Vision Over People. Gorilla 1994
• The Chieftains – Santiago. BMG Classics 1996 – Grammy Winner
• The Nels Cline Singers –Macroscope (Mack Avenue, 2014)
• Holly Cole – Temptations. Metro Blue 1995
• Criara – Behind The Sky. EMI 1997
• Corin Curschellas – Voices Of Romantsch. MGB 1997/1996
• Dominique Dalcan – Ostinato. Island 1998
• Dip in the Pool – The Sea Of Serenity. Epic/Sony 1993
• The Dreamers – Ipos: Book of Angels Volume 14 (Tzadik, 2010)
• The Dreamers – A Dreamers Christmas (Tzadik, 2011)
• Electric Masada – 50th Birthday Celebration Volume 4 (Tzadik, 2004)
• Electric Masada – Electric Masada: At the Mountains of Madness (Tzadik, 2005)
• Manfred Fest – Oferenda. Concord 1993
• Fobia – Leche. BMG Mexico 1993
• Serge Gainsbourg – Great Jewish Music. Tzadik 1998
• Gibran – Dialogos Intestinales. Urukungolo 2001
• Len & Vani Greene – Luminosity 2011
• Janet Grice – The Muse. Optimism 1989
• Andy Haas – Arnhem Land. Avant 1997
• Herbie Hancock – Possibilities. Starbucks 2005 – Grammy Nominated
• Herbie Hancock – Gershwin's World. Verve 1998 – Grammy Winner
• Janis Ian – Hunger. Windham Hill 1997
• Janis Ian – Revenge. Boomerang 1995
• Javon Jackson – Good People. Blue Note 1997
• Javon Jackson – For One Who Knows. Blue Note 1995
• Bob James – Playin' Hooky. Warner 1998
• Dr. John – Duke Elegant. Blue Note 2000
• Richard Leo Johnson – Language. Blue Note 2000
• Geoff Keezer – Turn Up the Quiet. Sony 1997
• Bar Kokhba Sextet – Bar Kokhba. Tzadik 2005
• Arto Lindsay – Mundo Civilizado. Bar/None 1996
• Ivan Lins – A Love Affair. Telarc 2000 – Grammy Winner
• Frank London – Science at Work. Tzadik 2002
• Lionel Loueke – Virgin Forest. ObliqSound 2007
• Romero Lubambo – Brazilian Nights. Q Records 2001
• Yo-Yo Ma – Obrigado Brazil Live in Concert. Sony 2004 – Grammy Winner
• Yo-Yo Ma – Obrigado Brasil. Sony Classical 2003
• Maureen MacGovern – Out Of This World. Sterling 1996
• Jon Madof's Zion80 – Zion80. Tzadik, 2013
• Chuck Mangione – The Hat's Back. Gates Music 1994
• Herbie Mann – Opalescence. Kokopelli 1994
• Billy Martin – Socket. Amulet 2005
• Billy Martin – Drop the Needle/ Illy B Eats. Amulet 2002
• Nilson Matta – Walking With My Bass. Blue Toucan Music 2006
• Bobby McFerrin – Beyond Words. Blue Note 2002
• Hendrik Meurkens – In a Sentimental Mood. A Records 1999
• Jason Miles – Miles to Miles. Narada 2005
• Jason Miles – Music Of Weather Report. Telarc 2000
• Marisa Monte – Mais. EMI 1994
• Jean-Louis Murat – Mustang. Virgin/France 1999
• New York Voices – NYV Sings Paul Simon. BMG 1997
• Ojoyo – Ojoyo Plays SafroJazz. Ojoyo 2002
• Ojoyo – Forward Motion. Ojoyo 1996
• Robert Palmer – Don't Explain. EMI 1989
• Robert Palmer – Ridin' High. EMI 1992
• Clara Ponty – The Embrace. Phillips 1999
• Howard Prince – Double Take. Cat's Paw 1997
• Paul Rebhan – Colors. Carmel/BMG 1991
• Paula Robison – Rio Days, Rio Nights". Arabesque 1998
• Paula Robison – Brasileirinho. Omega 1993
• Gabrielle Roth – Tribe. Raven 2000
• Gabrielle Roth – Zone Unknown. Raven 1997
• Gabrielle Roth – Tongues. Raven 1995
• Philippe Saisse – Next Voyage. Verve 1997
• Peter Scherer – Cronologia. Tzadik 1996
• Peter Scherer – Very Neon Pet. Metro Blue /Capitol 1995
• Paul Shaffer – The World's Most Dangerous Party. SBK 1993
• Paul Simon – Concert in the Park. Warner 1991
• The Sisters of Glory – Good News In Hard Times. Warner 1995
• Phoebe Snow – I Can't Complain. House Of Blues 1998
• Tim Sparks – At the Rebbe's Table. Tzadik 2002
• Tim Sparks – Tanz. Tzadik 2000
• Spyro Gyra – Dreams Beyond Control. GRP 1996
• Spyro Gyra – The Deep End. Heads Up International 2004
• Richard Stoltzman – World Beat Bach. BMG – 2000
• Richard Stoltzman – Danza Latina. BMG – 1998
• Bob Telson – La Vida Segun Muriel. VCC Polygram 1998
• Bob Telson – Calling You. Warner 1993
• Trilogia – Wheels Within Wheels. TDK/Japan 1992
• Trio Da Paz – Black Orpheus. Kokopelli 1994
• Nana Vasconcelos – Fragments – Modern Tradition. Tzadik 1997
• Nana Vasconcelos – Rain Dance. Island 1989
• Roseanna Vitro – The Time of My Life: Roseanna Vitro Sings the Songs of Steve Allen. Sea Breeze 1999 (recorded 1986)
• Grover Washington, Jr. – To Grover with Love. Atlantic 2001
• Grover Washington, Jr. – Soulful Strut. Columbia
• Kazumi Watanbe – Mo' Bop III. Hybrid Records 2006
• David Watson (with Beat the Donkey) – Skirl. Avant 1999
• Mark Weinstein – Jazz World Trios. LKC 1998
• Cassandra Wilson – Belly of The Sun. Blue Note 2002
• Cassandra Wilson – New Moon Daughter. Blue Note 1995
• Cassandra Wilson – Blue Light 'Til Dawn. Blue Note 1993 – Grammy Winner
• Tom Zé – The Hips Of Tradition. Luaka Bop
• John Zorn – Film Works XII / Three Documentaries. Tzadik 2002
• John Zorn – Cobra/ Game Pieces Vol II..Tzadik 2002
• John Zorn – The Gift. Tzadik 2001
• John Zorn – Film Works X. Tzadik 2001
• John Zorn – Taboo and Exile. Tzadik 2000
• John Zorn – Film Works IX/ Trembling Before G-d. Tzadik 2000
• John Zorn – The Circle Maker. Tzadik 1998
• John Zorn – Film Works IV/ S &M Works. Tzadik1997
• John Zorn – Film Works VII/ Cynical Hysterie Hour. Tzadik 1997
• John Zorn – Film Works II/ Walter Hill. Tzadik 1996
• John Zorn – Film Works 1986–1990. Tzadik 1996
• John Zorn – Film Works V/ Tear Of Ecstasy. Tzadik 1996
• John Zorn – Film Works VI/1996. Tzadik 1996
• John Zorn – Film Works III/ 1990–1995. Nonesuch 1992
• John Zorn – The Big Gundown. Nonesuch 1986
• John Zorn – Bar Kokhba: Masada Chamber Ensembles – Tzadik 3 CD Boxset
• John Zorn – The Satyr's Play / Cerberus (Tzadik, 2011)
• John Zorn – Mount Analogue (Tzadik, 2012)
• John Zorn – A Vision in Blakelight (Tzadik, 2012)
• John Zorn – Pellucidar: A Dreamers Fantabula (Tzadik, 2015)

External links

• Official website