Carlos Bica is a double bass player and composer from Portugal. He is also a prolific and innovative sound artist. Bica is well-known for his poetic tone on the double basse. He has the rare ability of writing melodies that are songs without words. He is both a gifted composer and musician, who can mix his folkloric, lyrical roots seamlessly with any modern style. His trio AZUL, which he formed with Frank Mobus, and Jim Black, is his most prominent musical project. His debut album “Azul”, which he recorded for Polygram/ Emarcy features guitarist Frank Mobus, drummer Jim Black, special guests Maria Joao, and Ray Anderson, trombone player. It was named “Best Jazz Record of the Year” in Portugal in 1996. It is widely considered to be the greatest portuguese-made jazz album. Enja Records released Azul’s next two albums, “Twist” (1999), and “Look What they’ve Done to My Song” (2003). Both received critical acclaim internationally. “Believer” (2006) is Azul’s fourth album celebrating this Portuguese-German-American band’s 10th anniversary. The new album is as visionary and inspirational as its predecessors. It features the turntables DJ Illvibe (aka Vincent von Schlippenbach). Azul’s multi-urban grooves, accompanied by DJ Illvibe’s scratch sounds, open up a bright window to the future. “The magic and shaping” (Fono Forum). In October 2005, Bor Land Records released “Single”, Carlos Bica’s first solo bass CD. This album was recorded at Radio Berlin-Brandenburg Studios. It was nominated for the “Blitz” music magazine as one of the top albums in Portugal. Bica, along with Ana Brandao, a remarkable singer and actress, began his project “DIZ”, which was inspired by an Expo 1998 commission in Lisbon. Enja Records released his fruits in April 2001. His music has seen a significant change with the release of “DIZ”. Joao Paulo (piano), Katharina Gless (violin), Mike Rutledge(viola), “DIZ” crosses the stylistics boundaries of chamber music and Portuguese folk with an entertaining ease and serious musical virtuosity. Jazz Podium called it “Grandiose Music” and Tip-Berlin “An Elegy of Beauty”. Carlos Bica has composed music for many theatre, dance, and film productions. Maria Joao, a well-known singer, was his collaborator for many years. This partnership has helped him to rise on the international stage. He has performed at some of the most important festivals in Europe, Asia, and has collaborated with Ray Anderson and Kenny Wheeler, Aki Tase, Lee Konitz and Alexander von Schlippenbach. He performed in the traditional music of Portugal, o fado, with Carlos do Carmo (the most well-known musician of this genre), and recorded many albums with him. Carlos Bica is also known for his performances and recordings with Jose Mario Branco and Camane. From www.carlosbica.com
