Caixa Cubo Announce New Album ULTRACOOKED, Celebrating the Legacy of Brazilian Jazz
The São Paulo trio blend electric jazz-funk, Brazilian musical heritage and playful experimentation on a new album featuring reimagined compositions by Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso and Garoto, alongside tributes to João Donato and Hermeto Pascoal.
Brazilian jazz trio Caixa Cubo are returning with ULTRACOOKED, a vibrant new album that brings together their deep understanding of Brazilian musical history, adventurous musicianship and infectious joy of playing. Rooted in the traditions of Brazilian jazz while driven by a distinctly electric jazz-funk sensibility, the record sees the São Paulo group pay tribute to the artists who shaped their sound, reinterpreting classic compositions while carrying their musical legacies into new territory.
Where previous releases have acknowledged the influence of Azymuth, Antonio Adolfo, Cesar Camargo Mariano and Marcos Resende, ULTRACOOKED brings Caixa Cubo into direct conversation with some of Brazil’s most celebrated musical figures. The album features fresh interpretations of Gilberto Gil’s ‘Expresso 2222’ and Caetano Veloso’s ‘Odara’, alongside a deconstructed take on ‘Jorge do Fusa’ by Garoto, the influential choro guitarist and composer whose harmonic innovations helped lay the foundations for bossa nova.
The album also pays a deeply personal tribute to two towering figures in Brazilian music, João Donato and Hermeto Pascoal, both of whom passed away before the record was made. Each is honoured with a composition bearing their name, with sampled recordings of the musicians’ own voices appearing on ‘Donato’ and ‘Hermeto’.
Rather than functioning as traditional eulogies, these tracks feel like musical conversations with the artists who continue to inspire Caixa Cubo. The trio’s playful approach echoes Donato’s mischievous spirit, while their willingness to explore unexpected musical possibilities reflects Pascoal’s boundless creativity. Through these recordings, Caixa Cubo demonstrate how musical influence can remain a living, evolving force.
A Celebration of Brazil’s Musical Heritage
ULTRACOOKED welcomes back vocalist Zé Leônidas, whose contributions helped illuminate the trio’s 2023 release Agora. He appears on ‘Expresso 2222’, ‘Essa é Pra Tocar no Rádio’ and ‘Cortejo’, bringing his distinctive voice to the album’s rich musical landscape.
Guitarist Edson Woiski also joins the project, adding his fluid, sinewy playing to the interpretations of Gilberto Gil’s compositions and ‘Cabaré’, before contributing vocals to the album’s closing chorus.
Across its 13 tracks, ULTRACOOKED moves effortlessly between Brazilian jazz, funk, intricate rhythmic interplay and adventurous arrangements. The result reflects Caixa Cubo’s deep respect for the traditions that came before them, balanced with a restless creative spirit that keeps their music moving forward.
Recording and Release Details
Produced by Caixa Cubo alongside Frederico Pacheco, ULTRACOOKED was recorded and mixed by Pacheco at O&O Studios in São Paulo. Mastering was handled by Casper Sutton at Gearbox Studios in London, bringing the album’s intricate arrangements and electric textures together with clarity and warmth.
ULTRACOOKED will be released on 20 November 2026, with editions available on limited-edition vinyl LP, CD and digital formats.
ULTRACOOKED — Tracklist
- Expresso 2222
- Odara
- Marea
- Cara do Meio
- Cabaré
- Essa é Pra Tocar no Rádio
- Ribe
- Superkid
- Donato
- Jorge do Fusa
- Hermeto
- Coisa Redonda
- Cortejo
With ULTRACOOKED, Caixa Cubo honour the innovators who helped define Brazilian music while reaffirming their own place within its continuing evolution. It is a record built on respect, curiosity and the shared joy of musical discovery.
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Credit Image Far Out Recordings