PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

A project developed by Mario Bakuna, Brazilian musician based in London, Mario Bakuna & Laroyê Afro Funk Brazil is a blend of rhythmic elements whose origin lies on Afro-Brazilian religions mixed with a language of improvisation. The purpose of this project is to provide a unique musical experience, and that the tribal power found in the ascendancy of the candomblé drums may serve as a guide to our modern thoughts and actions.

Mario Bakuna is a London-based Brazilian composer, singer and guitar player, with over fifteen years of professional experience. He is a graduate of the Free University of Music in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Whilst there he studied with musicians such as: Olmir Stocker, Roberto Sion and Roberto Bomilcar (pianist who played with Frank Sinatra during his visit to Brazil).

He has worked alongside the trombonist Itacir Bocato, guitarist Renato Consorte, and other big names from the São Paulo music scene.

His study focusses on the development of an instrumental music repertoire; inspired by the greats of Jazz and Bossa Nova. In addition to developing new arrangements of music by enshrined Brazilian artists as Tom Jobim, Paulo Moura, and João Donato, in recent years he has been focussing to reinterpretations of Samba Jazz - a music that emerged in Rio de Janeiro in the 50s and was pioneered by musicians like Luiz Eça, Tamba Trio, Edson Machado, among others. Their repertoire was based on Brazilian standards with more sophisticated harmonies, inspired on the post-Bossa Nova movement.

Recently, he moved to Europe to expand his research, and since moving to London, he has been performing alongside musicians such as: Jean Toussaint, Liam Noble, Roberto Manzin, Ricardo dos Santos, Edmundo Carneiro, Cacau Queiroz, Filó Machado, Alain Jean Marie.

Band Lineup

Mario Bakuna (acoustic guitar, vocal trumpet and vocals)

Ramiro Nocelli (eletric guitar)

Matheus Nova (bass)

Uccio Gaeta (drums)

Williams Cumberbache (percussion)