Biography
Born on 2 September 1917 in Prainha, São Paulo, Brazil, and passing away on 26 July 1995 in Van Nuys, California, USA, Laurindo Almeida earned recognition as a versatile and accomplished performer celebrated at home for his mastery of the classical Spanish guitar. He relocated to the United States during the 1940s, securing studio positions in film and television. His jazz profile broadened notably through an engagement with Stan Kenton toward the end of that decade. While maintaining his screen and broadcast commitments, he pursued additional jazz outlets, uniting in 1953 with bassist Harry Babasin, alto saxophonist Bud Shank, and drummer Roy Harte. The ensemble’s explorations foreshadowed key traits of the bossa nova phenomenon that emerged several years afterward.
Further acclaim arrived in 1974 when Almeida collaborated with bassist Ray Brown, drummer Chuck Flores, and Shank to establish the L.A. 4. Subsequent releases featuring replacements Shelly Manne and Jeff Hamilton for Flores, along with duo recitals alongside Shank and joint appearances with guitarists Larry Coryell and Charlie Byrd, highlighted the singular approach that distinguished his playing from prevailing jazz guitar conventions.
Throughout his professional life Almeida secured Grammy recognition in 1959 for his contribution to Danzas, followed the next year by awards for The Spanish Guitars Of Laurindo Almeida and Conversations With The Guitar. Two further honors came in 1961 for Discantos and Reverie For Spanish Guitars. In 1962 he received three nominations, covering Viva Bossa Nova! in both the Best Performance By An Orchestra For Dancing and Best Jazz Performance fields plus The Intimate Bach in the Best Classical Performance category. Guitar From Ipanema earned him the 1964 Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, and he earned another Best Soloist nomination in 1972 with The Art Of Laurindo Almeida.
Further acclaim arrived in 1974 when Almeida collaborated with bassist Ray Brown, drummer Chuck Flores, and Shank to establish the L.A. 4. Subsequent releases featuring replacements Shelly Manne and Jeff Hamilton for Flores, along with duo recitals alongside Shank and joint appearances with guitarists Larry Coryell and Charlie Byrd, highlighted the singular approach that distinguished his playing from prevailing jazz guitar conventions.
Throughout his professional life Almeida secured Grammy recognition in 1959 for his contribution to Danzas, followed the next year by awards for The Spanish Guitars Of Laurindo Almeida and Conversations With The Guitar. Two further honors came in 1961 for Discantos and Reverie For Spanish Guitars. In 1962 he received three nominations, covering Viva Bossa Nova! in both the Best Performance By An Orchestra For Dancing and Best Jazz Performance fields plus The Intimate Bach in the Best Classical Performance category. Guitar From Ipanema earned him the 1964 Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, and he earned another Best Soloist nomination in 1972 with The Art Of Laurindo Almeida.
Albums
