Steen Rasmussen - Red Bossa

Steen Rasmussen's Red Bossa is a captivating exploration of Brazilian music through the lens of a Danish pianist with a deep love and understanding of the genre. Released on LP, CD, and digital platforms, this album brings together Rasmussen's Red Bossa Trio, featuring bassist Fredrik Damsgaard and renowned Brazilian drummer Celso De Almeida. Together, they create a dynamic yet intimate soundscape that pays homage to the spirit of Brazil while adding a distinctly Nordic touch.

Rasmussen's dedication to Brazilian music shines across the album's 11 tracks, all but one of which are his original compositions. The exception is a heartfelt rendition of Luiz Bonfá's iconic Manhã de Carnaval, featuring the soulful vocals of Marilda Almeida. Tracks like "Hymn to Life" and "Happy Sadness" embody the emotional duality at the heart of bossa nova, blending joy and melancholy with seamless elegance.

Recorded in Copenhagen, Red Bossa showcases Rasmussen's unparalleled ability to integrate Brazilian rhythms and harmonies into his compositions. Influenced by legends like João Donato, Djavan, and Elis Regina, Rasmussen has developed a style that feels both authentically Brazilian and uniquely his own. His trio delivers an effortless groove, with Damsgaard's insightful bass lines and De Almeida's rhythmic finesse providing a solid foundation for Rasmussen's expressive piano melodies.

Guest musicians add further depth, including Clara Emilie Wessberg Rasmussen, Lis Wessberg, and Jonas Krag. Joyce Moreno, a legendary Brazilian singer, praises Rasmussen's fluency in Brazilian music, describing him as an artist who plays with respect and heart.

Red Bossa is not merely an homage to Brazilian music--it's a dialogue between cultures, blending the warmth of Rio with the cool sophistication of Copenhagen. Rasmussen's ability to make Brazilian music resonate with a global audience solidifies his role as a bridge between traditions and a master of his craft.