Jazz is dead with Marcos Valle

Jazz Is Dead welcomes Brazilian composer, pianist and singer Marcos Valle for a night mapping his bossa nova roots and the electric turns of modern MPB. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Valle co-wrote Samba de Verão in the 60s and quickly moved beyond straight bossa, folding soul, funk and jazz colors into records like Samba Demais, Viola Enluarada and Previsão do Tempo. On stage, his music shifts from airy harmonies and syncopated samba to Rhodes-led grooves and tight percussion, melodies gliding over a rhythm section that keeps everything lean and fluid.

This live set revisits classics and deep cuts with supple arrangements, letting keys, guitar and flute orbit warm vocals. The palette nods to the 70s—cosmic synth touches, sunlit chords, basslines built for motion—while drawing a line to later works that resonated with club culture. Special guests join to trade phrases, open up the jams and reshape themes in real time, keeping the conversation between bossa, jazz and soul moving without losing the swing.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Lee’s Palace, Toronto.