In Memoriam: Arthur Maia

Arthur Maia

Brazilian bass great Arthur Maia has passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 56 years old.

Maia started on drums as a child, switching to the electric bass at 15. He was inspired to play by his uncle, another bassist named Luizao Maia. He went pro soon after and would go on to play with the top Brazilian artists like Ivan Lins, Luiz Melodia, and Márcio Montarroyos. He joined the band Cama de Gato in 1985 and recorded five albums with them. Outside of Brazil, Maia worked with superstars like Ernie Watts, Sheila E., Pat Metheny, Carlos Santana, George Benson, and more.

Bassist Joe Silva shared the news with us, saying, “The Country, as well as Brazilian musicians and friends, are all mourning the loss.” He also shared this great video of Maia’s playing.

“I like this video with playing with a famous Brazilian Musician DOMINGUINHOS, with a song named Lamento Sertanejo, something close to Country Lament,” he shared. “The song incorporates few Brazilian rhythms, Xote, and Baião with a Jazzy taste.”

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Arthur Maia.

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  1. Arthur Maia was a true bass genius. A major influence on anyone who played bass in Brazil from the early 80’s onward. I urge every bass player not familiar with this man’s work to do him/herself a favor and go check his solo albums as well as his impeccable work with the likes of Djavan, Milton Nascimento, Ivan Lins, Gilberto Gil, Lulu Santos, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, Came de Gato – to name a few. Thanks for so much good music, Arthur!