Tom Zé is a pivotal figure in Brazilian music, an innovative composer, and performer whose work has consistently challenged the boundaries of genre and form. Born Antônio José Santana Martins on October 11, 1936, in the state of Bahia, Brazil, Tom Zé is often associated with the Tropicália movement that emerged during the late 1960s, which blended traditional Brazilian music with foreign influences, such as rock and roll and avant-garde styles.

After moving to São Paulo, Tom Zé attended the University of São Paulo's School of Dramatic Art and became involved in the cultural ferment that characterized the Tropicália movement. His idiosyncratic approach to music resulted in a unique sound not easily categorized, incorporating a myriad of influences and utilizing unconventional instruments and sounds. Despite a period of relative obscurity after the initial wave of Tropicália, Tom Zé was rediscovered in the 1990s, thanks, in part, to the efforts of musician and fan David Byrne who reissued some of his work on the Luaka Bop label.

An immensely creative and ever-evolving artist, Tom Zé has continued to release albums and perform into the 21st century. His most recent works, such as "Tropicália Lixo Lógico" and "Vira Lata na Via Lactea," showcase his unflagging commitment to experimentation and his critical eye on social and political issues. Even his album titles, such as "Tribunal do Feicebuqui," reflect a willingness to engage with contemporary culture and technology in a thought-provoking way. With a discography that spans decades and a profound influence on the course of Brazilian music, Tom Zé remains a significant and inimitable icon in the world of music.

Genres

Bossa Nova

Brazilian Indie

Mpb

Nova Mpb

Rock Baiano

Samba

Tropicalia

Velha Guarda

Related Artists

Caetano Veloso

Gilberto Gil

Gal Costa

Jorge Ben Jor

Os Mutantes

Milton Nascimento

Novos Baianos

Seu Jorge

Tim Maia

Rita Lee

Zé Ramalho

Maria Bethânia

Latest Release

Língua Brasileira

Tom Zé

Album - 11 Tracks - Released June 24, 2022