SML live in Lisbon

Experience SML live on August 9th

SML, the musical project led by Swiss-Portuguese composer and multi-instrumentalist Samuel Marques Leite, will perform at the 2026 edition of Jazz Em Agosto in Lisbon, Portugal on August 9th. SML’s music blends contemporary jazz improvisation with influences from Portuguese folk music, particularly *cante alentejano* – a traditional polyphonic singing style recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. His compositions often feature extended techniques on stringed instruments and incorporate electronic processing, creating a soundscape that is both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-looking.

Jazz Em Agosto is an internationally recognized jazz festival held annually in Lisbon since 1986. Originally conceived as a response to a lack of dedicated jazz programming within existing Portuguese festivals, it quickly established itself as a platform for both established international artists and emerging talent. The festival is notable for its commitment to showcasing diverse styles within the jazz spectrum – encompassing avant-garde, free improvisation, and explorations of world music influences. It traditionally takes place in the gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, providing an intimate setting for performances.