José Lencastre is celebrated for his versatility and innovative approach to jazz and improvised music. Over the years, he has become a pivotal figure in the vibrant Portuguese improvised scene, known for his ability to seamlessly navigate various musical genres within the contemporary creative music idiom.

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His music is deeply rooted in the belief that it holds a transformative and healing power. This approach reflects Lencastre’s dedication to contributing to a better, more harmonious world. Each performance is designed to create moments of introspection, emotional resonance, and unity, allowing sound to transcend its traditional boundaries and foster a profound connection between musicians and the audience.

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He tours regularly across Europe, performing at notable festivals and venues such as Area Sismica, Krakow Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Aarhus Jazz Festival, Dragon Social Club, Jazz em Agosto, and Konfrontationen Festival.

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With a prolific career, José has contributed to around 60 albums, 30 of which he has led or co-led. This extensive discography reflects not only his dedication to his craft but also his commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative horizons. His albums have received praise from prestigious publications such as Jazz.pt, All About Jazz, Free Jazz Blog, Salt Peanuts, NYC Jazz Records, and Ipsilon.

 

​His collaborations extend internationally, working with renowned musicians such as  Susan Alcorn,  Raoul Van der Weide, Onno Govaert, Kresten Osgood, Peter Evans, Margaux Oswald, Michael Formanek, Clara Lai, Dirk Serries, Martina Verhoeven, Eve Risser, Guilherme Granado, Aleksandar Scoric, Sakina Abdou, Peter Orins, Andrew Lisle, Bart Maris, John Dikeman, Motoko Honda, Zbgniew Kozera, and Vasco Trilla, among others.​​

 

José is also a co-founder of Phonogram Unit, a label established during the 2020 pandemic to release free and contemporary music from its associated musicians. In addition to his work with the label, he has also contributed to the community by organizing concerts, helping to connect both local audiences and visiting international musicians in Lisbon.

 

With each project, José Lencastre strives to use music as a force for good, offering a unique artistic vision that links,  inspires and brings people together, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to creating a more compassionate and connected world.

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