AZUL
Charlie Wood Hammond B3, Rhodes, Piano
Walmir Gil Trumpet & Flügel Horn
Webster Santos Guitars
Chris Wells Percussion, Bass Synth
AZUL is a unique international Hammond organ band with a Brazilian twist, centred around the talents of US blues ace CHARLIE WOOD and São Paulo trumpet star WALMIR GIL. Guitarist WEBSTER SANTOS brings the groove from Salvador, Bahia, and the debut album is moulded together with slick contemporary R&B production from London percussionist Chris Wells.
Hammond guru Charlie Wood has been voted Premier Keyboard Player in Memphis every year since 1997 as part of the N.A.R.A.S. Premier Player Awards, and was formally organist with Albert King. He has performed with such musical luminaries as B.B. King, George Coleman, Alvin Batiste, Tony Reedus, Rufus Thomas, Georgie Fame and others have stopped by to sit in and play with the band. On a recent tour in England, Robert Plant joined Charlie onstage to sing five or six of his favourite Memphis R&B classics. Charlie's albums are produced by Daddy-O records and released through Ben Sidran's label GO-JAZZ
Walmir Gil is one of Brazil's most respected musicians. He is a co-founder of the Grammy nominated "Qrquestra Mantequeira" and has most recently been arranger/trumpeter for Caetano Veloso, Ivan Lins, Djavan, Paula Lima. He is a first-call musician for many of Brazil's top artists and his work was featured on the forthcoming new album from Daúde, "Neguinha Te Amo" (REALWORLD) alongside Webster and Chris
Webster Santos has performed with a multitude of Brazilian artists including Daniela Mercury, Edson Gomes, Zé Guilherme, Rita Ribeiro, Chico César , Virgínia Rosa, Vania Abreu, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Tom Zé e Rita Lee) , Belchior, Andrea Marquee, The Heartbreakers, Zeca Baleiro & Funk Como le Gusta.
Chris Wells has recorded and performed throughout Europe with Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Bley & Steve Swallow, Robert Plant, Andy Sheppard, Randy Brecker, Nelson Rangell, John Harle,and many others. Specialising in Brazilian music, Chris' debut solo album "Pra Sempre" (MOO-PHONIX) featured guest appearances by Brazilian icon Ivan Lins, Coro do Batacotô, Mestres da Bateria da Mangueira, Téo Lima, Sizão Machado. Chris also recently worked with Clara Morena, and appeared on "Later with Jools Holland" with Paula Santoro.
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