Tom Ze biography
Date of birth : 1936-10-11
Date of death : -
Birthplace : Irara, Bahia, Brazil
Nationality : Brazilian
Category : Arts and Entertainment
Last modified : 2023-10-11
Credited as : Songwriter and composer, multi-instrumentalist, Tropicalia movement, David Byrne
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Tom Zé: The Maverick of Tropicalia
Tom Zé, born Antônio José Santana Martins, is a maverick of Brazilian music. His influential role in the 1960s Tropicalia movement left an indelible mark on the world of sound and rhythm. From experimental innovations to a triumphant resurgence, this is the extraordinary journey of a musical iconoclast.
The Early Years
Tom Zé's story begins in Irara, Brazil, on November 11, 1936. Raised in a politically engaged family, he moved to Salvador, the capital of Bahia, during his teenage years. This transition exposed him to classical music, and his passion for creating unique soundscapes ignited.
A Musical Trailblazer
At the University of Bahia School of Music in Salvador, Zé's musical odyssey truly began. He studied violin, viola, cello, and composition, embracing not only classical masters but also the rhythms of the world. His eclectic taste ranged from Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles to the avant-garde compositions of John Cage and Charles Ives.
The Birth of Tropicalia
In the early 1960s, Zé was part of a group of musicians who gathered for jam sessions, sowing the seeds of the Tropicalia movement. Among them was Caetano Veloso. The Tropicalia pioneers challenged conventions and introduced unconventional rhythms, defying the political backdrop of Brazil.
The Era of "Regurgitation Music"
As the 1960s progressed, Tom Zé's music evolved into what he called "regurgitation music." It was a creative blend of diverse styles, resulting in jarring sound juxtapositions. This audacious approach made him a true musical provocateur.
Resurgence Through David Byrne
In the late 1970s, Zé's popularity in Brazil dwindled, and recording contracts became scarce. It seemed he had faded from the spotlight. However, his revival came when David Byrne of the Talking Heads rediscovered his unconventional music. This encounter marked the resurgence of his career, introducing his unique blender music to a new global audience.
International Acclaim
Tom Zé's albums, including "Com Defeito de Fabricacao" and "Postmodern Platos," catapulted him to international acclaim. Avant-garde musicians from around the world collaborated with him, and his music resonated with a new generation of listeners.
The Zest for Uniqueness
Zé's music is a manifestation of extraordinary energy and an affinity for the unconventional. His compositions feature infectious rhythms and eclectic sounds that defy categorization and challenge musical norms. Critics and fans alike celebrate his eccentricity and unique artistic expression.
A Life of Intellectual Pursuits
Beyond his musical endeavors, Tom Zé is a voracious reader with a deep fascination for philosophy, history, and literature. His intellectual pursuits, including a love for William Faulkner and a fondness for yoga, reveal a multifaceted personality.
In 2011, Tom Zé collaborated with Javelin on the song "Ogodô, Ano 2000" for the Red Hot Organization's charitable album "Red Hot+Rio 2." The proceeds from this project were dedicated to raising awareness and funds for AIDS/HIV-related health and social issues.
Selected Discography of Tom Ze:
1968: Grande Liquidação
1970: Tom Zé (album)
1972: Se o Caso É Chorar
1973: Todos os Olhos
1976: Estudando o Samba
1978: Correio da Estação do Brás
1984: Nave Maria
1990: Brazil Classics, Vol. 4: The Best of Tom Zé - Massive Hits (Compilation)
1992: Brazil Classics, Vol. 5: The Hips of Tradition
1997: Parabelo (with Miguel Wisnik)
1998: Com Defeito de Fabricação
1999: Postmodern Platos
1999: 20 Preferidas (Compilation)
2000: Série Dois Momentos (vols. 1, 2, and 15) (Compilation)
2000: Jogos de Armar
2002: Santagustin (with Gilberto Assis)
2003: Imprensa Cantada
2005: Estudando o Pagode - Na Opereta Segregamulher e Amor
2006: Danç-Êh-Sá
2008: Danç-Êh-Sá Ao Vivo (live)
2008: Estudando a Bossa - Nordeste Plaza
2010: Studies of Tom Zé: Explaining Things So I Can Confuse You
2012: Tropicália Lixo Lógico
2014: Vira Lata na Via Láctea
2016: Canções Eróticas de Ninar
2017: Sem Você Não A
2022: Língua Brasileira
