Manfredo Fest facts for kids

Manfredo Irmin Fest (born May 13, 1936 – died October 8, 1999) was a talented musician from Brazil. He was a pianist and keyboard player. Manfredo was known for his amazing bossa nova and jazz music. He was also a bandleader, which means he led his own musical groups. Manfredo was born in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He passed away at 63 years old in Florida, USA. His wife, Lili Fest, was also a composer. His son, Phill Fest, became a guitarist.

About Manfredo Fest

Manfredo Fest had German family roots. His father was a concert pianist from Germany. He taught music at a university in Porto Alegre. Manfredo was blind, but this did not stop him from learning music. He learned to read music using Braille, a special system for blind people.

Manfredo first studied classical music. But when he was 17, he discovered jazz music. He especially liked the works of George Shearing and Bill Evans. While in college, he started playing bossa nova music regularly in São Paulo.

His Musical Journey

In 1961, Manfredo finished his piano studies at the University of Rio Grande do Sul. He also learned to play keyboards and the saxophone. One year later, in 1962, he began his music career. He played in many bars, clubs, and pubs.

In 1963, he recorded his first album, called Bossa nova, nova bossa. For this album, he worked with other talented musicians. These included Humberto Clayber on bass, Antonio Pinheiro on drums, and Hector Costita on saxophone and flute.

Moving to the United States

In the 1970s, Manfredo Fest moved to the United States. There, he worked with famous musicians like Sérgio Mendes. His first American album, Manifestations, came out in 1978.

Even though he wasn't super famous, he worked with many important groups. One of these was Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. Manfredo often played at a place called Fandango's in Siesta Key, near Sarasota, Florida.

Manfredo Fest passed away at the age of 63 in Tampa, Florida. He had lived in Palm Harbor for 12 years before that.

Manfredo Fest's Albums

Here is a list of some of the albums Manfredo Fest released:

• 1961: Classicos Dos Boleros
• 1963: Bossa nova, nova bossa
• 1963: Evolução
• 1965: Manfredo Fest Trio
• 1965: Some people
• 1966: Alma brasileira
• 1969: Bossa Rio
• 1970: Alegria
• 1972: Bossa rock blues
• 1976: Brazilian Dorian dream
• 1978: Manifestations
• 1987: Braziliana
• 1989: Jungle Cat
• 1992: Manfredo Fest and friends
• 1994: Oferenda
• 1995: Começar de novo (To begin again)
• 1996: Fascinating rhythm
• 1997: Amazonas
• 1998: Just Jobim