Arthur Maia

Arthur Maia (9 April 1962 – 15 December 2018) was a Brazilian composer and musician. Maia played with musicians such as Djavan, Gilberto Gil, Marisa Monte, Lulu Santos and Ney Matogrosso. His compositions usually present a fusion of jazz, funk, swing music and reggae.

Biography Arthur Maia started his musical studies playing drums, when he was still a child. When he was 15 years old, he received a bass as a gift and, influenced by his uncle Luizão Maia, a Brazilian bass player, began to practice it. Later he became a professional bass player, playing with many famous Brazilian artists, such as Ivan Lins, Luiz Melodia and Márcio Montarroyos.

In 1985, he joined the band Cama de Gato, a Brazilian jazz group formed by Rique Pantoja (piano), Pascoal Meirelles (drums), Mauro Senise (saxophone) and Maia (bass). With it, he recorded five albums. Although Maia was no longer a member of the band, he was a special guest on Cama de Gato's sixth album. He also joined many other instrumental music bands, such as Pulsar, Banda Black Rio and Egotrip; their songs were much played on Brazilian radio in the 1980s.

In 1990, Maia recorded his first solo album, which won the Prêmio Sharp award one year later.

In 2005, Maia organized a tribute to his uncle, who had died that year. The show was staged at the Mistura Fina Pub, Rio de Janeiro, with the participation of the Brazilian singer Leny Andrade.

Discography

As leader Tom & Villa (Pan Produções, 1986) with Gilson Peranzzetta Maia (Som da Gente, 1990) Arthur Maia (Paradoxx Music, 1996), Black Fusion Band ao vivo (Niterói Discos, 2000) with Hiram Bullock Planeta música (Cabeçadura Records, 2002) O Tempo e a Música (Biscoito Fino, 2010)

With Cama de Gato Cama de Gato (Som da Gente, 1986) Guerra fria (Som da Gente, 1988) Sambaíba (Som da Gente, 1990) Dança da lua (Som da Gente, 1993) Amendoim torrado (Albatroz, 1995)