Cyro Baptista

The Profile

Brazilian percussionist who blends Brazilian rhythms, jazz and experimental/world music; longtime collaborator with John Zorn and associated with the Tzadik label; leader of the Beat the Donkey project.

Associated with the Tzadik label and John Zorn (mentioned in the review). Collaborated with Arto Lindsay (mentioned in the review). Banquet of the Spirits is reviewed on DeBaser; the record explores the idea of anthropophagy and mixes baião with diverse global influences.

The review frames Banquet of the Spirits around the Brazilian modernist idea of anthropophagy and traces Baptista's cultural cannibalism. Musically the album mixes baião, Middle Eastern and other influences; some tracks (Tupinambas, Argan, Mumukata) are praised while others feel less compelling. The record is described as richly varied but uneven in its ability to engage fully. Rating given: 3/5.