Talented Paulo Almeida began his musical career at the Tatuí Conservatory in São Paulo before he moved far away to Basel (Switzerland) a decade ago to continue his studies at Jazzcampus, the Academy of Music FHNW.
Since his brave move jumping into a different culture, language, mentality, even a different climate zone, the drummer over time has developed into an active educator himself, whenever he is not busy performing in major clubs and festivals worldwide with names such as Dhafer Youssef, Guillermo Klein, Lionel Loueke, Wolfgang Muthspiel, or Anat Cohen.
“Growing up in Brazil means growing up with rhythm,” says Almeida, “it is part of everyday life – the language, at community gatherings, during religious ceremonies, and the way music is learned and shared.”
Over the years, the musician has become a distinctive voice within Brazil’s instrumental music scene, having also performed with the late national treasure Hermeto Pascoal, now carrying it over to another continent, becoming a musical ambassador for Brazil.
However, by combining Afro Brazilian rhythmic foundations with a highly melodic approach to the drum set, Almeida creates his own sound. With Italian pianist Lorenzo Vitolo, Spanish bassist Joan Codina, and British saxophonist Josh Schofield, the bandleader gathers an international quartet for Love in Motion, that is also deeply connected to the European contemporary jazz scene.
Recorded in the spring of 2025 and due out at the end of April 2026, Almeida touches on his heritage and pushes the boundaries between improvisation and composition.
On nine tracks, where each sound emerges from the present moment and attentive listening among the musicians, the ensemble blends sonic landscapes shifting between “harmonic impressionism and the openness of modern jazz.”
In “Lembranças do Boi” the bandleader tells the story about the Brazilian cultural movement Boi do Maranhão. The tune “Saci” describes a legendary figure, the one-legged trickster who jumps around the forest, protecting it.
In “Saudade”, Almeida reflects on, as he finds, one of the most beautiful words in his language, and on him being homesick longing for friends and family in Brazil.
“Resilience” is about the seasonal temperature drops in Switzerland, an intense experience that the drummer/composer was not used to coming from Brazil and it required just that, resilience.
In “Ipê”, which is the indigenous name of a Brazilian tree, Almeida invites his friend, legendary drummer and vibraphonist, Jorge Rossy to join the band.
The only non-original tune is “Nenhum Talvez” by Hermeto Pascoal and it shows the drummers deep appreciation and admiration for his late musical hero.
Love in Motion is a beautiful and highly recommended album celebrating spontaneous musical creation and cultural crossings. It is a heartfelt invitation to contemplation and human connection through sound.
In the end, it is also a European piece of Brazil.
Out on Dox Records on April 24, 2026.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Paulo Almeida’s collaborations include artists, such as Hermeto Pascoal, Dhafer Youssef, Guillermo Klein, Lionel Loueke, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Jorge Rossy, Anat Cohen, Ralph Alessi, Filó Machado and Leny Andrade.
Alongside his work as a bandleader, he teaches at the Jazzcampus Basel and remains active in a wide range of projects across Europe.
His discography as a leader includes Constatações (2013), Corpo e Alma (2017), Parceria (2017), Unity – Live at Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (2020), and Oferenda (2023).
