Moacir Santos

Moacir Santos (1926–2006) was a Brazilian composer, arranger and bandleader whose 1965 album Coisas is regarded as a landmark of Brazilian instrumental music. He worked in Rio de Janeiro from the 1940s, became a notable figure at Radio Nacional, and moved to the United States in 1967 where he recorded for Blue Note and Discovery.

Born in 1926. Moved to Rio de Janeiro in the 1940s and became the first black person to conduct at Radio Nacional (as noted in the provided review). Moved to the United States in 1967 and recorded multiple albums there (three for Blue Note and one for Discovery, as noted in the provided review). Recognized as an influential teacher and harmonic innovator; cited students and associates include Baden Powell, Paulo Moura, João Donato, Nara Leão, Roberto Menescal, and Sérgio Mendes. Died in 2006.

The review praises Coisas (1965) as a standout of Brazilian instrumental music and a work that deserves rediscovery. It highlights Moacir Santos's influence as a teacher and harmonic innovator. Notes that Coisas is his first and only album recorded in Brazil. The writing positions Santos as underappreciated among general audiences but revered among Brazilian music professionals.

For:Fans of Brazilian jazz, bossa nova, instrumental jazz, and students of arrangement and composition.