In the world of instrumental music, brilliance often thrives quietly. Levy DeAndrade, long respected as a master composer, steps confidently into a new light with his ambitious album Ponta Pé, which translates to Kick Off. This project is more than a collection of tracks; it is a cultural bridge where the vibrant rhythms of Brazil’s Northeast meet the precision and sophistication of international jazz fusion. With Ponta Pé, Levy demonstrates that the soul of everything from forró to samba funk can speak the same complex, harmonic language as the genre’s most celebrated innovators.
The album is driven by a desire for authentic collaboration. For Levy, this project was never about hiring big names for their fame; it was a creative mission to show that the rhythmic DNA of his homeland holds immense intellectual depth and expressive power. This vision attracted a jazz fusion dream team, including the legendary core of the Chick Corea Elektric Band. Drummer Dave Weckl and bassist John Patitucci provide a tight, explosive foundation, while guitar icon Frank Gambale, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, and the incomparable Mike Stern—among other Grammy-winning musicians—add their distinct voices. Their participation is a testament to Levy’s skill as a composer, player, and bandleader.
Ponta Pé balances polished precision with organic warmth. Levy’s acoustic piano, rich with Brazilian folk textures, sits at the center of a dynamic electric ensemble. The music is a conversation in motion. You can hear Weckl’s drums energizing traditional Samba Funk rhythms, while Stern’s expressive guitar weaves a sophisticated dialogue with Levy’s melodic lines. Each track feels both technically impressive and deeply human, as if captured in a sunlit studio where masters play purely for the joy of discovery.
The album’s creation emphasized collaboration over ego. Levy designed intricate harmonic frameworks within Brazilian rhythms, then stepped back to let each musician inject their own musical DNA. The result is a record alive with spontaneity, capturing the thrill of first takes and the unpredictable magic that emerges when virtuosos engage with innovative compositions.
Listeners are invited to explore the album’s subtle layers. Ponta Pé blends acoustic and electric textures seamlessly, while traditional Brazilian percussion provides an earthy heartbeat beneath virtuosic solos. Each detail rewards careful listening, making quality headphones or attentive playback essential for fully appreciating the interplay and nuance.
Ponta Pé is both a culmination and a starting point. Levy is already looking ahead to his next release, “Welcome Home” (Live), scheduled for March 6, 2026. That project promises a tighter, more Fun atmosphere, revealing another facet of his artistry. With this album, Levy DeAndrade has delivered a masterful introduction, uniting continents and genres to prove that the most profound musical conversations require no translation.