A Documentary. A Recording.
A 100-year Celebration.
Afro Jobim
A centennial tribute analyzing the eminent influence of Afro-Brazilian music and culture on Antônio Carlos Jobim's songbook, led by Brazilian-American singer and percussionist Nanny Assis.
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The Gotham Film & Media Institute
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Afro Jobim
Overview
Antônio Carlos Jobim is considered one of the great exponents of Brazilian music. To celebrate his 100th birthday in 2027, this documentary turns to American jazz titan Ron Carter and Nanny Assis as they record their upcoming Afro-Brazilian tribute album, Afro Jobim.The album will feature some of today’s most celebrated Brazilian musicians. This intimate lens offers a fresh perspective on the cultural impact and influence of Jobim and Ron Carter and their pivotal roles in shaping Brazilian jazz.
Afro Jobim
About Jobim
Antônio Carlos Jobim was born January 25, 1927, in Rio de Janeiro. The works of European composers like Chopin, Debussy, and Ravel, and, crucially, underrated Afro-Brazilian musicians Johnny Alf, Pixinguinha, and Dorival Caymmi inspired Jobim as a young pianist-composer.Jobim achieved international success in 1963 and 1964 with Brazilian singer and guitarist João Gilberto and American jazz saxophonist Stan Getz. These albums not only shaped Brazilian jazz, but established the genre of bossa nova, which emulates Gilberto’s approach to voice and guitar. Jobim himself stated, "(...) bossa nova means a guy that has a gift, a flair and a new flair, you know? (...) And then this name became very popular."Performances by stars like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald swiftly cemented his songs as jazz standards. Nearly thirty years after his passing, Jobim's influence in popular culture resonates worldwide. Songs like Billie Eilish's track "Billie Bossa Nova" demonstrate this impact. In her words, "It is inspired by the bossa-nova of Antonio Carlos Jobim, by this musical world which existed before me and which left us a marvelous heritage."
Afro Jobim
Ron Carter
Renowned as the world’s most recorded bassist, Ron Carter’s virtuosic bass lines set a standard of excellence across all genres. His influence on Brazilian jazz is no exception. His contributions to bossa nova, known as “Carterisms,” can be traced to his inaugural collaboration with Jobim on "Wave" in 1967. This collaboration paved the way for subsequent performances on albums like Stone Flower (1970), Jobim (1972), Urubu (1976) and Jobim’s final album, Antonio Brasileiro (1994).Carter’s embrace of Brazilian jazz elevated him to stardom across Brazil. He has since been featured on countless bossa nova recordings and released several original Brazilian-influenced records, including: Patrão (1980), Orfeu (1999), and Jazz & Bossa (2008).Reflecting on his role in Brazilian jazz, Carter mused: “I never got the answer to that, why I fit into their bass line like a glove, to the extent that now I’m the glove, but it’s interesting. And I still plan on going down there (...) to hear guys play and see what is my connection to them that makes what they do, or what I do, so compatible that they’re going to add what I do to their bag of tricks.”
Afro Jobim
The Album
Helping to realize the Afro Jobim project will be some of today’s most celebrated jazz and Brazilian musicians.Repertoire will include songs by Antônio Carlos Jobim:
“O Boto”
“Capitan Bacardi”
“Tema Jazz”
“Piano Na Mangueira”
“Modinha”
“Matita Perê”
“Bororo”
“Saudades do Brasil”in addition to:
“Afro Jobim” (Nanny Assis)
“Saudade” (Ron Carter)
Afro Jobim
Creative Team
Nanny Assis (Producer/Creator)
John Hadity (Producer)
Peter Schnall (Documentary Director)
Afro Jobim
Sponsors
Fiscally sponsored by
The Gotham Film & Media Institute
Supported by
The Rockefeller Foundation
Supported by
the Doris Duke Foundation
Afro Jobim