Leandro "Gato" Barbieri (November 28, 1932 – April 2, 2016) was an Argentine jazz tenor saxophonist who rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s for his passionate, fiery playing style and his pioneering blend of jazz with Latin American music genres. Born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Barbieri began his music career playing the clarinet, inspired by Charlie Parker, before switching to the saxophone. He gained international recognition for his work in the free jazz genre, particularly through his collaboration with Don Cherry in the 1960s.

Barbieri's eclectic approach to music allowed him to seamlessly integrate sounds from across the Americas, infusing his jazz compositions with elements of tango, Brazilian music, and other Latin rhythms. This fusion was most famously displayed in his score for Bernardo Bertolucci's 1972 film "Last Tango in Paris," for which he won a Grammy Award. The soundtrack not only solidified his place in the jazz world but also introduced his music to a wider audience. Throughout his career, Barbieri released numerous albums showcasing his evolving style, from avant-garde and free jazz to Latin jazz fusion, making him a significant figure in the development of jazz music globally. His soulful, vibrant saxophone playing has left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing countless musicians and earning him the affectionate nickname "El Gato" for his agility and fierce intensity on stage.

Genres

Jazz Saxophone

Latin Soundtrack

Related Artists

John Coltrane

Pharoah Sanders

Sonny Rollins

Ornette Coleman

Miles Davis

Herbie Hancock

Don Cherry

Archie Shepp

McCoy Tyner

Charlie Haden

Stan Getz

Keith Jarrett

Latest Release

Freedom Jazz

Sandro Brugnolini•

Gato Barbieri

Album - 12 Tracks - Released November 24, 2023