Igor Willcox Quartet is a Jazz Fusion group that has been captivating audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances and innovative sound. Formed by Igor Willcox on drums and compositions, Erik Escobar on electric piano and synth, Wagner Barbosa on saxophone, and Ricardinho Paraiso on bass, the group seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and fusion to create a unique and unforgettable musical experience.
Igor Willcox Quartet’s original compositions are a testament to the band's musicality, spontaneity, and synergy. The group explores all avenues of musical expression, creating songs that are both technically impressive and emotionally compelling. Their performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with each musician contributing their own unique voice to the band's sound
Igor Willcox Quartet has performed in some of the most prestigious Jazz clubs around the world, including, Yardbird Suite (Canada), Blue Note, The Rex(Canada) and Bourbon Street (Brazil), to name just a few. They have also been invited to perform at various Jazz Festivals such as Nisville Jazz Festival (Serbia), Bansko Jazz Festival (Bulgaria), Summer Jazz Festival (Slovenia), North City Jazz Festival (Serbia), Panama Jazz Festival (Panama), Santos Jazz Festival (Brazil).
Their albums have been met with critical acclaim, receiving excellent reviews from major Jazz websites such as All About Jazz, World Music Report, and Jazz World Quest.
Jacques PAUPER of ColeursJazz in France described the band as "a Brazilian band that really gets you going (!) and excites your interlocutor as well as the audience, which is not mistaken. A jazz fusion of which this one operates as much with a conquered public."
Mike Jurkovic of All About Jazz noted that "one can immediately see and hear that Willcox doesn't mince words or his music. Two years into their collective existence and they play like vets, sizzling, braking, whirling, burbling along on percolating rhythms."
Igor Willcox Quartet is a band that defies easy categorization," said Jazz World Quest. "Their music is fresh and unpredictable, with each song taking listeners on a journey that is both cerebral and emotional."
Igor Willcox Quartet’s passion for music is evident in everything they do, from their dynamic live performances to their critically acclaimed albums.
The group is a true testament to the power of Jazz Fusion, showcasing the depth and complexity of their musical style while maintaining a strong sense of artistic integrity.
They continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in instrumental music, earning them a well-deserved reputation as one of the most exciting bands on the Jazz Fusion scene today.
Discography:
Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria)
“The Brazilian Igor Willcox Quartet‘s spectacular live performance, Live at Bansko Jazz Festival 2022 (Bulgaria), took place during that year’s Bansko Jazz Festival. The four virtuosos are known for their innovative musicianship, outstanding interaction, and captivating groove, and the new release perfectly captures the intensity and vibrancy of this stunning live performance . We hear a collection of catchy songs that were previously released on studio albums, now enhanced by the sparkling spontaneity propelled by the band’s drummer and leader, Igor Willcox, who is performing at his peak along his brilliant fellow musicians. He effortlessly switches between fast and slow rhythms, adding interesting rhythmic improvisations, mixing texture and dynamics with his known virtuosity. The album abounds in clever and entertaining solos. Erik Escobar on keys has impressive solo interventions of great impact on “Brotherhood” , “Message From Another Dimension” , UFO, “The Scare” “Thankful” and “Room 73”. Super-Saxophonist Wagner Barbosa is all over the place unleashing his creative force either interacting with his band mates or charming us with amazing solos on “North City” and “Room 73” just to mention a few . Glecio Nascimento on bass takes the spotlight on “North City”, “Room 73”. Overall this is an album for jazz fusion enthusiasts who will be excited to listen to a concert unique in inventiveness, dynamics and mastery.” – Jazz World Quest (Canada)
Live at The Jazz Room (Canada)
Recorded during its tour in Canada in April/2019.
The album is available in Cd format and digital format on the most important streaming services.
“Recorded during their 2019 Canadian tour “Live at The Jazz Room ” showcases the talent and energy of four well-matched virtuosic musicians who already made their way up to the top of the Brazilian Jazzfusion scene. The mood goes from subtle to passionate and upbeat the arrangements leaving enough space for each musician to show his best without restraint. and the album is plenty of such vibrant moments. Animated by the same kindred spirit the four artists make the music flow with joy and freedom.” – Jazz World Quest(Canada)
LIVE!
The first album of the group, called “LIVE!”, received excellent reviews from important jazz sites, such as, All About Jazz, Clube de Jazz, Jazz World Quest.
“The first Live album of the Brazilian drummer Igor Willcox quartet, captures the spirit of a strongly welded band performing at a high voltage in the most impassioned and interactive way. It features seven original songs along with three compositions by jazz fusion legends such as Allan Holdsworth, Wayne Shorter and Lenny White. Ten tracks of unexpected, creative interactions resulted from the combined strength of four virtuosi musicians, each of them contributing with their inventive skills to a perfect fusion of musicality and rhythm. “Fans of jazz fusion will enjoy a high quality album delivered by a phenomenal band fueled by the natural energy of like minds playing as a singular voice”. (Jazz World Quest).
Complete review on All About Jazz, one of the most important jazz sites of the world.: https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-igor-willcox-self-produced-review-by-mike-jurkovic.php
SINGLES:
2020
Fresh single from the explosive jazz-fusion Igor Willcox Quartet starting the new year with an effervescent composition fueled with impetuous drumming and imaginative interactions." - Jazz World Quest (Canadá)
U.F.O
A fresh release from the Brazilian power group Igor Willcox Quartet, displaying once more their creative power already proved to be solidly rooted in a fertile jazz fusion territory. After a syncopated introduction weaved by intense drumming, organ and sax the song grows into a series of intricate free-flowing exchanges colored by inspired solos. The flawless interplay between saxophone and keys creates a mysterious sonic space rich in nuances fueled by the liveliness of drumming and pounding bass lines. Building around a melodically-adventurous concept that may suggest to some listeners moments of Billy Cobham’s Total Eclipse, the band balances with skillful tension and softer intermezzos that ultimately manage to keep the listener involved until the end. Jazz World Quest (Canada)
North City
With their new single called “North City,” Brazilian drummer Igor Willcox and his band continue their series of jazz fusion experimentation. Again the chemistry between the four musicians is flawless and the compositional construction is based on the tasteful balance between acoustic and electric instruments. The song’s structure allows everyone to keep jamming freely throughout the song, the keyboards open the door to an exciting sax line, which is followed by a vivid rhythm section. The groove is warm and lively, dynamic bass lines combined with frequent tempo changes, add energizing colors to the ensemble. Enjoy an entertaining piece of jazz fusion expertly played with heart and soul. Jazz World Quest (Canada)
Links to listen to the albums:
Click on the logo to listen on your preferred streaming service.
The members:
Ricardinho Paraíso (bass): Ricardinho is an internationally recognized bassist for his remarkable skills on the instrument. With a refined technique, he has garnered praise from bass experts worldwide, including the respected Scott Bass Lessons. In addition to his musical expertise, Ricardinho maintains a strong presence on social media, with over 70,000 followers on Instagram, making him an inspiring influence for the new generation of bassists.
Wagner Barbosa (saxophone): Known for his modern and complex approach to improvisation, Wagner has collaborated with various renowned artists in the music industry, including legendary bassists Celso Pixinga and Jeff Andrews, as well as the iconic guitar figure Mike Stern and the brazilian group Silibrina. His music serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, pushing jazz to new horizons.
Erik Escobar (keyboard): Erik is a pianist, composer, and singer known for his charisma, sensitivity, and unique playing style. His original albums have been released by prominent labels in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, with a standout record being "New Samba Jazz" (2006), which remained the best-seller on the Altrisuoni label for five years. His recent work, "New Brazilian Trio," released in multiple countries, is a testament to his musical evolution. Erik has also had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned artists such as Gilberto Gil, Bob Mintzer, John Riley, Bocato, Artur Maia, Michael Pipoquinha, and others. His music is an enthralling journey that transcends borders and touches the hearts of those who listen.
About Igor Willcox:
Igor Willcox's musical lineage runs deep. Born into a family of accomplished musicians, he was raised with the sound of melodies and rhythms all around him. His father, Paulo César Willcox, was a maestro, arranger, pianist, and vibraphonist, while his mother, Sonia Willcox, was a renowned singer. It's no wonder that Igor was drawn to music from an early age.
Igor is considered one of the most important drummers in Brazil, having played and recorded with a roster of legendary artists from the national and international music scenes. His dynamic and propulsive drumming style has garnered critical acclaim from fans and critics alike, earning him a reputation as a versatile and gifted musician.
Over the course of his career, Igor has collaborated with an impressive array of musical talents, including Jimmie Bo Horn, Cecilia Stalin, Michael Sinatra, Guilherme Arantes, Familia Lima, Sandy & Junior, Daniela Mercury, Gary Brown, and many others.
He's also made his mark in the instrumental scene, playing and recording with some of the most respected names in jazz fusion, including Bocato, Frank Colon (Weather Report), Kwak Yoonchan, Tony Lakatos, Carlos Tomati, Nelson Faria Fernando Rosa, Michel Leme, Marcinho Eiras, Arismar do
Espírito Santo, Zerró Santos, Rubem Farias, Erik Escobar, Decebal Badila, Sandro Haick, Marcelo Coelho, Daniel Santiago, Glecio Nascimento, and more.
Igor's musical talents have not gone unnoticed. His debut album #1 (2017), was met with critical acclaim, receiving rave reviews from the most important and popular jazz music website in the world, All About Jazz. Reviewer Troy Dostert praised Willcox's hard-driving, relentless style, calling it "auspicious" and a "tasteful contribution."
His album with the trio "New Samba Jazz," released by the Swiss label Altrisuoni Records, in 2006, also received high praise across Europe, Asia, the USA, and Brazil, becoming the label's best-selling record for four years.
In addition to the quartet, Igor also dedicates himself to workshops, lessons, and recording sessions at his own recording studio, Bunker32, where he has already recorded artists from all over the globe.
Igor Willcox proudly endorses respected brands Nagano Drums, Domene Cymbals, Williams DrumSticks, Williams DrumHeads, Power Click, Datalink cables, and Gorilla Pads, relying on their quality and excellence to enhance his musical expression and deliver high-level performances. Being alongside these great brands demonstrates the recognition of his talent and the quality of his work as a musician.
With a career full of achievements, notable collaborations, and a strong presence in the music scene, Igor Willcox solidifies his name as one of the great drummers and composers of today, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian and international music.
