Brazilian drummer Dom Um Romão is probably best known as the percussionist who replaced Airto Moreira in the fusion band Weather Report from 1972 to '74. In earlier years, Romão was a leading bossa nova percussionist. In my post last week on Astrud Gilberto, I included a clip that featured him. Watch here...
Dom Um Romão was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1925 and began playing in Rio ballrooms and cabarets in the 1940s before being hired by Rádio Tupi’s on-air orchestra. In the 1950s, he led the Copa Trio and appeared on Elizete Cardoso’s album Canção do Amor Demais, one of the first Brazilian bossa nova albums recorded in 1958. It featured the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and the guitar of João Gilberto.
While playing in Sergio Mendes's group in Rio, Romão was discovered by Herbie Mann, who recorded with him on Herbie Mann With Sergio Mendes Bossa Nova Rio Group in 1962. He came to the U.S. in November 1962 to perform with Mendes at the famous Carnegie Hall bossa nova concert. Cannonball Adderley used him on his Cannonball's Bossa Nova album for Capitol the following month. After Romão returned to Brazil, he appeared on Eumir Deodato's Ideias album before recording his first album as a leader, Dom Um. Romão returned to the States in 1965 and recorded with Esther Philips in December '65.
His big break came in 1967, when Antonio Carlos Jobim brought him into his recording session with Frank Sinatra—Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim (Reprise) in February. Next came Beach Samba with Astrud Gilberto, and a series of albums with Jobim, starting with Wave, featuring trombonist Urbie Green. In 1970, he recorded on A Bad Donato and soon became a fusion session percussionist. He recorded steadily as a leader in Brazil and as a sideman in the U.S. through the 1980s and '90s.
Romão's first album as a leader, Dom Um, was recorded in 1964 in Rio for the Phillips label. It featured a Brazilian studio big band. In the clip below, listen carefully to what Romão's is doing on percussion. He had a fascinating touch. Busy and intricate, but hushed and elegant.
Dom Um Romão died in 2006 following a stroke.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Dom Um here.
JazzWax clip: Here's the entire Dom Um album...
