Amaro Freitas (born 1991) is a Brazilian jazz pianist and composer from Recife, Pernambuco, whose music weaves Afro-Brazilian rhythms - maracatu, frevo, baião - into modern jazz and free improvisation. Growing up in the favelas of Recife, he taught himself piano on imaginary keys before becoming house pianist at the legendary Mingus jazz bar. His four albums, from the self-released Sangue Negro (2016) to the internationally acclaimed Y'Y (2024) - a solo-and-collaboration record inspired by a journey to the Amazon - have established him as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary world jazz.
Amaro Freitas was awarded the 2026 Paul Acket Award at North Sea Jazz Festival, recognizing his innovative approach to jazz.
Freitas performed at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg on April 15, 2026.
A collaborative album featuring Freitas alongside Criolo and Dino d'Santiago was released in 2026.
Freitas formed a new trio lineup in 2025, with Sidiel Vieira on double bass and Rodrigo 'Digão' Braz on drums.
Y'Y was released on Psychic Hotline in March 2024, featuring collaborations with Shabaka Hutchings, Brandee Younger, Jeff Parker, Hamid Drake, and Aniel Someillan.
