BIOGRAPHY
Clarice Assad
GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, composer and pianist Clarice Assad is a 3rd-generation member of "Brazil's First Family of Music." the Assads. Granddaughter of Dona Ica (“The Billie Holiday of Brazil” —L.A. Times) and daughter of guitarist-composer Sérgio Assad, Clarice is a major artistic voice in the world music, classical, pop and jazz genres.
REVIEWS
"Vibrant, gear-shifting . . . a charismatic singer." —New York Times
“A phenomenon who has streaked across the world’s musical landscape like one of those comets that appears just once in a lifetime.” —LatinJazzNet.com
"A dazzling, stunning set.” —www.midwestrecord.com
Magical . . . spellbinding, an exquisite blend of jazz, chôro, bossa nova . . . ” —www.ukvibe.org
“Clarice’s singing touches the soul of the listener with its suggestion of a falling brook, its dramatic glissandos and sudden leaps that cut through the air . . . sways with the pulsating life of Brazil.” —worldmusicreport.com
"A talent quite beyond compare. There’s certainly no one like [Clarice Assad] in Brazilian music . . . ” —All Music Guide
"Her multi-faceted talent uncontainable as she energetically bends music to her will and reshapes it with fascinating results.” —Jazz Improv Magazine
"Clarice constantly captivates, whether singing in Portuguese, delivering wordless vocals, or taking to the piano bench . . .” —www.allaboutjazz.com
"Magical . . . spellbinding, an exquisite blend of Jazz, Chôro, Bossa Nova and Classical . . . an ‘homage’ to the musical legacy of their family.” — www.ukvibe.org
BIOGRAPHY
João Luiz
João Luiz, a two-time Latin Grammy nominated guitarist, educator, and composer, began to play the popular music of his native Brazil professionally as a child. Winner of the 2006 Concert Artists Guild Competition as a member of the Brasil Guitar Duo, João has performed extensively in the United States, Asia, Europe and Latin America. He performed with Yo-Yo Ma at a landmark concert in Cuba in 2014.
REVIEWS
“João's innate understanding of the idiomatic nuances within these musical styles, rooted in his Brazilian heritage, made this creative journey seamless and his accomplishments truly impeccable . . . exceptional talent and commitment to preserving Brazil's rich musical heritage." —Sérgio Assad, Brazilian guitarist and composer, and father of Clarice Assad
“Mr. Luiz gave a fastidious but deeply felt reading of Leo Brouwer's Pieza sin Titulo." —New York Times
"I have a special affection for [João Luiz] as well as admiration for his enormous talent and love for music, or rather 'musics,' because he is a consumer and researcher of all of them, including the popular. His special sound and professionalism motivated me greatly." —Leo Brouwer, composer (Cuba)
"João Luiz is one of the musicians that fate presented to me as a partner, springboard, and catapult." —Egberto Gismonti, Brazilian guitarist, pianist & composer