The musician and composer Raul de Souza, considered one of the greatest trombonists in the world, died this Sunday (13th), aged 86 years.
“With great pain, the family communicates the death of Raul de Souza, tonight, in France. Guerreiro, as always, fought until the end of his forces against cancer,” says the statement released by the family on social networks.
“Our Brazilian hero left for eternity, leaving for everyone his greatest legacy, his music. We are immensely grateful for the support that all of you have always shown.”
João José Pereira de Souza was born in Rio de Janeiro, in 1934, and began playing while still in his teens. He adopted the artistic name Raul at the suggestion of Ary Barroso.
The first album he recorded was in 1957, as a member of the band presented as Turma da Gafieira.
He soon stood out and played with musicians such as Baden Powell, Sivuca, and Sérgio Mendes. With the pianist, he recorded the LP “You still haven’t heard” and toured internationally in the 60s as a member of the group Bossa Rio.
Career
He has also recorded with Airto Moreira, Milton Nascimento, George Duke, Flora Purim, and Hermeto Pascoal throughout his career.
His first solo album was “À Vontade same”, released in 1965. After living in Mexico and the United States, the musician moved to France, in the late ’90s, the country where he died.
Souza created the instrument “Souzabone”, a specific type of electric trombone with four rods, developed from the traditional three rods. He is also recognized for his swing improvisation and samba-jazz.
His 1975 album “Colors” became a topic of study at Berklee Music College in Boston, where he also studied.
Raul announced his retirement in November last year, but he even released the album “Plenitude”, with 16 songs, on May 21st this year.
Musicians and admirers mourned Raul’s death on social media. João Bosco wrote “Meus sentimentos e solidariedade à família”.
Marcos Valle said, “My respect for the Music that Raul de Souza has always created, and my feelings for family and friends. May God have it”.
“I am very sad to hear about the death of Master Raul de Souza! Raul was a genius. A master. An inspiration! Rest in peace!”, wrote Bocato, trombonist and arranger.
“My feelings”, was the message left by drummer Carlos Bala.
Pretinho da Serrinha, Daniel Nogueira, Rafael dos Anjos, Paulos Miklos and BNegão also mourned the death of Souza.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.
