Grupo Falso Baiano is a choro group that offers a window into the history and diverse culture of Brazil. Choro is one of Brazil’s earliest popular musics, dating back to the late 1800s, and, similar to jazz, it reflects the melding of African rhythms with a melodic and harmonic structure closely resembling Baroque Classical music.

G.F.B.’s exploration of choro spans nearly 100 years, including everything from the traditional to more contemporary versions and jazz influenced reinterpretations. In addition to performing and touring, Grupo Falso Baiano has worked in collaboration with the Pasadena Pops, Around the World Music Program, Young Audiences of Northern CA, and Youth in Arts, to bring choro and Brazilian music to students throughout California.

G.F.B. is Zack Pitt-Smith (reeds), Brian Moran (7-string guitar), Jesse Appelman (mandolin), and Ami Molinelli (percussion). Individual bios available on the Press Page.

G.F.B. has performed at SFJazz, Yoshi’s Oakland, Yoshi’s San Francisco, The Freight and Salvage, The JazzSchool, San Jose Jazz Festival, Healdsburg Jazz Festival, L.A.C.M.A., Santa Monica “Jazz on the Lawn” series, among many other venues.

They have twice been awarded a grant by the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music towards recording. (2010 & 2013)

Tickets at Grupo Falso Baiano