There is a persistent, slightly unfair myth that the ukulele is merely a gateway instrument; a cheerful, four-stringed toy destined for twee pop covers and primary school classrooms. But every so often, an artist moves into the spotlight who challenges that narrative. Today, that artist is João Tostes.
Armed with his new live album, ‘The Curupira Concert’, João does more than just play the ukulele; he elevates it to the status of a premier instrument that proudly shares the stage as part of a sophisticated chamber trio. Backed wonderfully by Felipe Moreira on piano and Diogo Fernandes on bass, it's a stunning recording that sees all three artists in their element.
Recorded in 2018 at the Instituto Curupira in Barbacena, Brazil, the album captures a transformative chapter in Tostes’ career, ditching the safety net of percussion to let the raw dialogue between ukulele, piano, and bass take centre stage. The lack of a drummer is a bold choice that pays off immensely, forcing you to tune into the nuance of Tostes' phrasing.
Throughout the performance, João’s technique is staggering, moving with fluid ease from the rapid-fire intricacies of Choro to the sun-drenched, rhythmic pulse of Baião and the understated elegance of Bossa Nova. While his academic background is extensive, the music here never feels like a dry exercise. Instead, it carries the emotional weight of a guitarist like David Gilmour or the technical ferocity of Paco de Lucía, proved through a lens of Brazilian instrumental heritage.
João finds a beautiful balance between paying homage to the greats, such as Chiquinha Gonzaga and Waldir Azevedo, and pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz. The arrangements are spacious, allowing the piano and bass to provide a rich, harmonic cradle for the ukulele’s brighter timbre. What truly cements the record’s charm, however, is its commitment to the live experience. The album preserves the rustle of the room, the spoken introductions, and the genuine warmth of the audience.
In tracks like ‘Alivium’ and ‘Xote Sem Rumo’, where the crowd is invited to clap and sing along, the wall between performer and listener vanishes entirely. It is a document of presence and memory, reminding us that in the right hands, this small instrument can command a very large room. For anyone who values honesty, virtuosity, and the soul of Brazilian music, this is an essential addition to the collection.
You can stream the album above, and for more, be sure to join João Tostes on Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
