Cyro Baptista, the Brazilian percussionist extraordinaire, boasts a diverse and accomplished career spanning decades of innovation and collaboration.
Born on in São Paulo, Brazil, Baptista's journey into the world of music began early, shaped by the rich tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and musical traditions.
In 1980 Baptista moved to New York City, finding himself immersed in a melting pot of musical influences and became an integral part of the vibrant music scene. His insatiable curiosity and willingness to push musical boundaries, paved the way for numerous innovative projects and collaborations.
Baptista has collaborated with a diverse array of musicians and artists from various genres, including jazz, rock, avant-garde, world music, and contemporary classical. His versatility has allowed him to work with artists such as Trey Anastasio (from Phish), Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Herbie Hancock, John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Wynton Marsalis, Sting and many others.
Cyro has released several solo albums, showcasing his compositional skills and his ability to explore the sonic possibilities of percussion instruments.
With his first album “Villa-Lobos Vira Loucos”, Cyro pays homage to the legendary Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos reinventing his signature masterpieces, pushing the boundaries of tradition and avant-garde experimentation.
In the mid-1990s, Baptista formed the percussion ensemble "Beat the Donkey," which became known for its energetic and rhythmically complex performances. The group blends Brazilian rhythms with influences from around the world, creating a unique and dynamic musical experience.
Following “Beat The Donkey”, came “Banquet of The Spirits”, a quartet that offers a sonic banquet that delights the senses and nourishes the soul.
His latest release CHAMA, weaves together the ancient roots of Brazilian percussion with cutting-edge contemporary sounds. A kaleidoscope of textures, tones, and tempos, as the ensemble skillfully navigates the intersections of tradition and modernity, creating a sonic tapestry that captivates audiences worldwide.
Throughout his career, Baptista has been involved in a plethora of educational projects aimed at sharing his passion for percussion and introducing audiences to the diverse world of rhythm. Among these endeavors, Baptista's standout project, "The Sound of Community," encompasses a wide array of activities, including workshops, masterclasses, and educational shows in schools and community hubs, aiming to ignite enthusiasm and foster confidence in budding musicians of every age group.
In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Baptista has contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks, most recently having recorded on the soundtrack of MEGALOPOLIS, upcoming Francis Ford Coppola movie.
Through his innovative projects and collaborations, Cyro Baptista continues to push the boundaries of percussion and expand the possibilities of musical expression. His unwavering dedication to education and artistic exploration serves as an inspiration to musicians and audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of rhythm and percussion.
