Brazilian performer and bandleader Cyro Baptista is widely considered one of the premier percussionists on the planet, bringing his unique charm and undeniable rhythmic drive to countless stages, performing on numerous Grammy Award-winning recordings, and collaborating with myriad luminaries such as Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock, John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Yo-Yo Ma, Caetano Veloso, and many others. Cyro’s many honors include the DownBeat Critics Poll Percussionist of the Year in 2013 and 2011, Jazz Journalists Association Percussionist of the Year in 2010 and 2007, Drum Magazine Percussionist of the Year in 2004 and 2003, and US Artists Walker Fellow in 2009/10.

Cyro’s world music quartet, Banquet of the Spirits, has performed internationally at such venues as the Newport Jazz Fest, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Village Vanguard, the Wexner Center, Town Hall NYC, SFJAZZ, Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Bimhuis in Amsterdam, SESC Pompeia in São Paulo, the Adelaide Festival in Australia and many more. Recent seasons have seen Baptista touring heavily with Phish lead-singer Trey Anastasio.

He has contributed to the following Raven albums: