Odyssey Mixtape by José Luiz Martins

José Luiz Martins

Odyssey Mixtape

Format: CD
Label: Origin Records
UPC: 0805558291722
Catnr: ORIGIN 82917
Release date: 05 June 2026
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Label
Origin Records

UPC
0805558291722

Catalogue number
ORIGIN 82917

Release date
05 June 2026

Album

Artist(s)

Composer(s)

About the album

From São Paulo, with stops along the way in Basel, Switzerland, New York, and now Washington, DC, pianist, composer José Luiz Martins seamlessly blends intriguing Brazilian harmonies and rhythms with his inspired takes on jazz, classical, and popular music, creating innovative and often soaring cinematic aural landscapes. His quartet, augmented by vocals, a judicious use of keyboards, and guitarist John Lee as a guest, explores pieces that were conceived during a period of great turmoil as he found ways to understand and overcome his debilitating neurological condition, Focal Dystonia. Odyssey Mixtape chronicles the interplay between depression and hope, as his ability to play was put on hold for an extended period, leaving his musical mind free to wander. The memories of his youthful interests in São Paulo co-mingle with his adult musical sensibilities, creating the core of the themes weaving throughout the album.

Von São Paulo aus, mit Zwischenstopps in Basel (Schweiz), New York und jetzt Washington, D.C., verbindet der Pianist und Komponist José Luiz Martins auf nahtlose Weise faszinierende brasilianische Harmonien und Rhythmen mit seinen inspirierten Interpretationen von Jazz, Klassik und Popmusik und schafft so innovative und oft schwebende, filmische Klanglandschaften. Sein Quartett, das durch Gesang, den umsichtigen Einsatz von Keyboards und den Gitarristen John Lee als Gast erweitert wird, erkundet Stücke, die in einer Zeit großer Turbulenzen entstanden sind, als er Wege fand, seine lähmende neurologische Erkrankung, die Fokale Dystonie, zu verstehen und zu überwinden. Odyssey Mixtape dokumentiert das Wechselspiel zwischen Depression und Hoffnung, als seine Fähigkeit zu spielen für längere Zeit auf Eis gelegt wurde und sein musikalischer Geist frei umherschweifen konnte. Die Erinnerungen an seine jugendlichen Interessen in São Paulo vermischen sich mit seiner musikalischen Sensibilität als Erwachsener und bilden den Kern der Themen, die sich durch das gesamte Album ziehen.

Artist(s)

José Luiz Martins (keyboard)

Hailing from the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, José Luiz Martins is a pianist, composer and producer based in the Washington DC area and celebrated for his innovative approach and deeply expressive music. Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of his homeland, Martins seamlessly blends Brazilian rhythms with elements of jazz, classical, rock and contemporary music, creating an unique and captivating sound.
A gifted performer and arranger, José Luiz Martins has a reputation for his distinct harmonic sensibility and masterful improvisation. His compositions often explore boundaries between music styles, cultural roots, and the interplay of tradition and innovation, resonating with audiences worldwide. These compositions can be heard on his catalog of albums, the fourth of which Odyssey Mixtape will be released on Origin Records on April 18th, 2025. He has performed in prestigious venues and festivals across Brazil, Europe, and the Americas, sharing the stage with renowned musicians and ensembles. His recordings as a solo artist and collaborator have received critical acclaim, earning him awards and recognition from both national and international music communities.
From an early age, José Luiz had the opportunity to study music at ULM (Universidade Livre de Música), which led to formal training in classical piano and composition under the guidance of Marisa Lacorte and Ricardo Rizek. Over time, his musical journey expanded to jazz, Brazilian and Latin music, as well rock and funk influences, allowing him to develop a versatile, unique and dynamic style.
After being an important part of the scene in São Paulo, Martins was granted with a full scholarship to do his masters degree in Basel Switzerland. Right after he finished his master’s degree he was granted an elite merit scholarship for a second master’s degree at Queens College in NY.
Committed to his craft, José Luiz Martins continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music while honoring the rich traditions of Brazilian culture. His artistry and passion leave an indelible mark on the audience.

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