Gustavo Andrade and the Brasukas –11 piece Brazilian dance band

Gustavo Andrade & The Brasukas are an 11-piece band led by Brazilian saxophonist Gustavo Andrade from Sao Paulo. Andrade studied jazz at Leeds Conservatoire and quickly became a member of several top jazz, nu-soul and hip-hop bands in the city. After the pandemic re-opening in summer 2021, he returned to the scene playing Brazilian music, firstly with his bossa jazz band Quinteto Gustavo Andrade and then in 2023, with his 11 piece big band The Brasukas.

They’ve played great shows in Leeds at Brudenell Social Club, Hi-Fi Club, Belgrave Music Hall and Hyde Park Book Club as well as a sold-out Blues Kitchen Manchester Brazil Carnival special in February 2023. They perform the full spectrum of Brazilian music – Samba, MPB (Música Popular Brasileiro), Bossa Nova, Samba Rock, Axé, Forro, Brazilian soul, Frevo, Rio Jazz-Funk – and feature top musicians from the Leeds jazz/world music scenes who play with bands like Plantfood, Carioca Soul, Rumberos de Palo, Awen Ensemble, Mangorata with Portuguese vocalist Raquel Alvaro leading the party vibes from the front.

Come down and enjoy Gustavo’s arrangements of classic Brazilian music from artists such as Leci Brandao, Seu Jorge, Jorge Ben, Ivete Sangalo, Tim Maia, Tom Jobim, Gilberto Gil and Djavan.

Lineup: Gustavo Andrade- Saxophone, Victor Estevez- Trumpet, Benji Arnold- Trombone, Noah Merell- Piano, Theo Black- Guitar, Joe Wilkes- Bass, Joe Redgrave- Percussion, Jayajack Petrie- Percussion, Haydn Morrow- Percussion, Eddie Bowes- Drums, Raquel Álvaro- Singer