Friday 9 September 2026
The Chris Dean Quintet: BRAZILIERA – Jazz Meets Samba!
Following the tremendous popularity of last year’s performance, the Chris Dean Quintet returns with BRAZILIERA an exhilarating celebration of jazz and Brazilian music!
This exciting and sizzling night of bossa nova, samba, and swing, blending the heart of Brazilian rhythm with the soul of jazz. Step into the warmth of Rio and the cool of classic jazz… Cool. Classy. Totally captivating.
Blending the infectious rhythms of samba and bossa nova with the energy, freedom and sophistication of jazz, BRAZILIERA brings together five exceptional musicians. Led by acclaimed trombonist and vocalist Chris Dean, the quintet combines dazzling musicianship, irresistible rhythms and a genuine love for the music of Brazil and the Americas…amongst many exciting titles the concert will include “No more blues (chega de suadade )”, “Samba d Orfeu”, “Masquanada”,”Felicidades”, “Estate”, “Favela” and “Brasil”… This promises to be a vibrant and uplifting evening, be sure not to miss it!
Line up:
Chris Dean - trombone and vocals
James Treweek - piano
Manoel Polidario - guitar
Andrew Cleyndert - bass guitar
Tsubasa “Dance” Matsutani - drums
Chris Dean has enjoyed a stellar career as a trombonist, jazz singer and musician performing extensively in the session world and alongside some of the finest names in jazz. His natural affinity with the music of the Americas inspired the BRAZILIERA project, and his passion for the repertoire shines through in both his playing and singing.
Chris Dean is a legend in his own right, celebrated by the music industry’s elite. Over the years, he has performed with icons like Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, and Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett and Michael Bublé to name just a few.
His musical fingerprints are all over the soundtracks of blockbuster films, including Superman 1V Out of Africa, Basic Instinct, Batman, Evita and seven James Bond classic movies such as The Living Daylights. A view to a kill. He’s worked alongside legendary composers like John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith, John Barry and has performed with top orchestras like the LSO and RPO.
Chris’s versatility doesn’t stop there. He’s contributed to pop albums for stars like Eric Clapton, Westlife, and Wet Wet Wet, Robbie Williams and has appeared on iconic TV shows such as The Benny Hill Show, Stars in Their Eyes, and several Royal Variety Performances. By 1996, Chris had stepped into the role of leader of the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, carrying its legacy into the future with fresh energy and dynamic performances. Under his direction, the Orchestra continues to dazzle audiences worldwide.
A superbly talented pianist, arranger and musical director, James Treweek is a specialist in Latin music. He and Chris have worked together for many years, developing a close musical understanding that lies at the heart of this ensemble.
Manoel Polidario brings excitement, authenticity and considerable expertise to the quintet. His magnificent Latin guitar style is central to the BRAZILIERA sound, providing the rhythmic energy and musical glue that hold the ensemble together.
Andrew Cleyndert is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest jazz bass players. For BRAZILIERA, he also performs on six-string bass guitar- an instrument ideally suited to the colour, warmth and fluidity of the Latin repertoire.
Tsubasa “Dance” Matsutani is one of the most exciting young drummers on the scene. He has made an extensive study of Brazilian styles, including samba, street samba and bossa nova, while also excelling as a big-band and swing drummer. His ability to combine these traditions so naturally makes him the perfect drummer for BRAZILIERA.
www.syd-lawrence-orchestra.com/chris-dean/
Video 1 (Chris Dean sings Tony Bennett): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T97dN0Ya0DY
Video 2 (“Truly” – Chris Dean & The Syd Lawrence Orchestra): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEjUTMNQpuY&list=RDpEjUTMNQpuY&start_radio=1
Video 3 (“Skyliner” – Chris Dean and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jvtKjE59Fk
