LIVIA LUCAS
www.myspace.com/livialucas
(As Featured on I Love Bossa Nova)

Lívia Lucas (Nêga Lucas), who at present is 29 years old, has been tracing a notorious musical trajectory in Brazil. She has played not only in festivals and several musical events but also performed as the opening live act at the internationally well-known Tiradentes Film Festival, which takes place in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. 

Lívia, who is a native from Juiz de Fora Brazil, started her career at the age of 13 when she became a member of a church chorus in her hometown. During this time she was able to improve her knowledge of voice techniques. Later by the age of 19, she started singing in a local band and she also developed her first music project as a trio, with a violinist and a bassist. Her trio played a varied repertoire of MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) and they attracted a wide audience to their performaces. 

In March 2006, she was honoured for her contribution to the local culture by the city hall of Juiz de Fora. Also in 2006, Lívia started a new project to save Sambas De Raíz (Root Samba), Choro and also other types of Samba that originate from this style, from being forgotten.

One year after having launched her project Música Mulata Brasileira, Lívia celebrated its success with a non-profit show in the MAM (Museum of Modern Art Murilo Mandes). She took part in an event called Central do Samba at the Cine Teatro Central in Juiz de Fora. This place is well recognized not only in Minas Gerais but also throughout Brazil for its cultural history. Starting in the year 2007, Lívia Lucas has been touring throughout Europe.

At the same time she developed several projects in varied areas such as: Afro Music, Samba, MPB, socio-cultural projects, among others. Finally, in 2008, Lívia produced and recorded her first album called Canto de Casa in Rio de Janeiro together with Gabriel Improta and Henrique Band.

Since then she has been promoting this album at well known places in Barcelona (Castelo do Montjuic, Jazz Bel Luna), Paris (Favela Chic, Divan Du Monde, Belleviloise) and at music festivals in Southern France. At this point in time she is concentrating on presenting Canto de Casa in Brazil, starting off with a series of shows in Rio de Janeiro and MinasGerais states since January 2010.

Her band is made up of top line artists:
Rodrigo Lessa (guitar and mandolin)
Rodrigo Villa (bass)
Cassius Theperson (drums)
Wili Noya (trombone)
Walmer Carvalho (saxophone and flute)

MARCELO VITAL & BRAZIL VITAL RADIO : (Toronto, Canada)
www.BrazilVital.com
www.OiToronto.com (featured artcile)

After almost a year being broadcast on FM radio in Toronto, the program has reinvented itself to accommodate more content and expand its growing audience. The weekly show will continue in Portuguese and English, the most recent shows can be heard directly in BrazilVital.

As part of its new format, is joining forces with BrazilVital OiToronto, the largest source of news and information for Brazilians in Canada. This partnership will increase the visibility of BrazilVital through the thousands of visitors who click on OiToronto each month.

"It has everything to do with OiToronto," says Fernanda Thiesen, editor in chief of OiToronto. "The popularity of the Internet and social media is attracting more and more Brazilian community to our website and we are also happy to offer the Vital Brazil to them."

The new site will feature Brazilian music news, interviews with local and international artists, reviews, videos, news, calendar of events of Brazilian music in Toronto and of course lots of music!

The journalist Marcelo Vital will continue producing and presenting the program with the goal of bringing the best of Brazilian music of yesterday, today and always to the four corners of the world and to highlight local talent of the Brazilian community in Toronto.

"One comment I hear a lot of listeners is that they appreciate the convenience of listening to the program when they want. And by BrazilVital they can - any time, "says Marcelo.

The program has become a conduit of information about Brazilian music and culture and offers a weekly list of events related to Brazilian music happening in the city of Toronto.Through social media platforms integrated into the new site, will be even easier to read and hear the latest news about Brazilian music in Brazil and worldwide.

In its first year, the program has featured several guests - some Brazilian artists in Canada, other acclaimed abroad - names such as Daniela Mercury, Luisa Maita, Luanda Jones, Maria Farinha, Fernanda Cunha, Guiomar Campbell, DJ Seduce Afrobaile seal, DJ Ziko, tuning and other Carioca. And the guest list will increase in 2012!

The first program of the new series will be a special New Year edition, which airs on the first day of January 2012, bringing also a retrospective of the 2011 programs and headlines of Brazilian music in 2011. To listen to the program, simply click BrazilVital .

As Scene and Written on Oi Toronto:
http://www.oitoronto.ca/19733/programa-de-radio-brazilvital-passa-a-ser-online/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OiToronto+%28OiToronto%21%29&utm_content=FaceBook 

VANESSA PINHEIRO
www.vanessapinheiro.com
(As Featured on I Love Bossa Nova)

"Velvet Voice wrist copyright. A singers emission is irresistible. " This is how the reporter Tarik de Souza defines Vanessa Pinheiro. Pará, founded in Rio de Janeiro, via Curitiba, Vanessa arrived 12 years ago in the federal capital. In Brasilia, she majored in journalism and writing, and studied singing at the Music School of Brasília. In 2004, she released her first CD & received rave reviews and earned her invitations to tour in Portugal, Spain and France. In 2005, Vanessa made ​​a number of shows in Portugal and the Portuguese press was considered as a revelation of Brazilian music. Now, Vanessa released her second CD, Balcony, produced by Arthur Maia, who has the participation of great musicians including Romero Lubambo, Carlos Malta, Kiko Continentino, Lui Coimbra, Gabriel Grossi and many others. In her two albums, she shows her own compositions, which sail between modernity and post-bossa nova MPB current balance, and is competent readings of classic MPB. To the maestro Leonardo Bruno, Vanessa brings a new way of writing: refined, cultured, of exquisite taste and a strong popular appeal. All simple, but not commonplace, music or poetry. Vanessa Pinheiro has been building a solid career as a singer and songwriter and recently by Nelson Motta was considered as one of the best revelations emerged on the plateau, an artist who makes a quality MPB.  Vanessa has had some of her songs included in compilations released in the United States and Japan including the "I love Bossa Nova," in which Vanessa sings "Vidigal" (Vanessa Pinheiro / Mario Jovita), the World Music Central blog wrote "Some of the best cuts in the album are the exquisite" Vidigal "which includes the gorgeous voice of Vanessa Pinheiro." With the recognition of the public and press, Vanessa Pinheiro has led to Brazil and the world, the best music Brazilian. 

DANIELLA FIRPO
www.myspace.com/daniellafirpo
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 1)

I arrived in Italy in 2006,  after nine years of operation in Brazil, where I occupied an area of emphasis in the music scene in Bahia. My music starts from the matrix and cheerfulness of Brazil, traveling through the emotions and how, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea. Creativity, irreverence, rhythm, poetry and emotions are the key ingredients. Mixing the samba, bossa nova and the visceral rhythms of percussion, with a contemporary language, in a fusion of regionalism and universality. In my song you can find the earth, fire, the colors of my country, Her warmth, heart, life button. But They Are Also The "voice" of people who live the suffering and hardship in this world contradictory. The European experience has Given Me A Sense of Belonging to the whole. I Was Able to experience a deep cultural exchange with artists and audiences from around the globe and this has enriched me on a personal level. My music is without borders, and has no limits of space or time. It is enclosed in my identity, what I have and feel, my essence, the Fruit of the cultures from but I like impetuosity of my character from Also. I want to come to the heart of who undertakes to Continually change, to Those Who Seek to Free Themselves from the Confines of a small thought, to touch the authentic values ​​of life. Review by Mauro Musibrasil Montalbani: "The Bahia Daniella Firpo, daughter of the tenor Renato Firpo and teacher of guitar and Acordeon Ana Maria Costa, presents her second album, which was designed long distance onset" Pela Beira ", and after a long period of living and working in Italy.

The style in this record shows Daniella adopts an interesting blend of roots folk, singer-songwriter and the most modern attitude, so much so that after the opening entrusted to "do reino Canario" , opens a series of music composed by Daniella, with the exception of "Jorge de Capadocia", in a nice version for percussion and string quartet, very Beatles. The album has moments exceptionally focused, as the beautiful " dropped or meu dinheiro ", which moves effortlessly tha ballad, samba, rap and funk-rock, or even the next" opening to love me ", delicious funk-esteem. Mindful of last residence in Italy, we Daniella even ammann a sensuous bossa nova in Italian, "The Frighteners", which could well be included in the repertoire of a better Ornella Vanoni of yesteryear, full of innuendo as sensual and sexual, a sincerity almost embarrassing, it makes even try a little 'd 'envy for the person to whom, we imagine, was dedicated. The poster Daniella style reflects her personal experiences, and aims at a fusion of different styles, including traditional econtemporaneità, between rock and MPB, with an attitude, ranging from floor personal and political level, reminiscent of the best reality of these years, such as Adriana Calcanhoto or Ana Carolina, and with a tone of voice that is closer to the latter. special mention also for art, curated by Daniella same with Nestor Madrid, which gives the drive a sober modern dress. If Daniella Firpo will be confirmed at this level, we can say goodbye to another item of importance in the contemporary scene.

BOCO DO RIO
www.bocodorio.com
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 1)

Boca do Rio is música orgânica. Live music inspired by the thousands of musicians and the music lovers that have gone before us and laid the rhythmic foundations of samba, baião, samba-reggae, the dances for the orishas, and all that gives homage to the beats. It is the African diaspora alive through rhythms and pulses – it is the commonality that binds humans to the air we breathe, the food from which we nourish, the water we imbibe, and the love through which we flourish. Boca do Rio exists to share and celebrate music and everything that it brings to our lives through the cross-pollination of the Americas. It’s the water that flows from mountains to oceans, from inside to out. It’s the earth beneath our feet, the soil beneath the concrete, the minerals from the stars that grace each of our cells.

The San Francisco band Boca do Rio takes its name from the Portuguese “mouth of the river” – the place where myriad streams and sources converge into one powerful, flowing, physical energy. 

Kevin Welch on guitar & vocals:
Kevin Welch, Boca’s leader, composer, guitarist, and vocalist, embodies this concept by virtue of his personal and musical history, having lived in the Amazon and become fluent in Portuguese as well as immersed in – and transformed by – samba. In the mid-1990s he started the group Vivendo de Pão, which became a mainstay on San Francisco’s club and festival scene and opened for touring acts like Macy Gray and Los Van Van. For Boca do Rio, Welch has assembled a superb team of Brazilian and American musicians to give voice to his vibrant compositions, which he terms música organica – music that is explicitly influenced by his connection to Brazil but filtered through the sensibilities of his California base, which he shares with his versatile accompanists and musical partners.

Band Members:
Alex Calatayud - Pandeiro
John Evans - Bass
Scott Johnson - Drums
Kevin Welch - Guitar & Vocals
Larry De La Cruz - Sax

KATIA ROCHA
www.katiarocha.com.br
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 2)

Katia Rocha is a Brazilian Instrumentalist, composer and interpret, and has been on the road more then 10 years in crafting her music ability. A peaceful woman born under the sign of Taurus, but at the same time a stage energetic swinging musician, Katia has always has a very eclectic taste for music. Some of her influences include Billie Holiday, Milton Nascimento and Jethro Tull. She started her studies on transversal flutein college before picking up her things and moving to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During this time she also studied Singing, Saxophone, acoustic guitar and musical harmony. 

Her history with the Sax has began years ago when her father gave her a saxophone. Soon after she felt it was awkward and sold it. Later the without realizing it, the Saxophone would become her musical instrument of choice and the beginning of her career. In the 80's she played in various bands throughout Brazil and released her first album in 1992. In 1996, she decided to part ways with her band and go solo and release a new album titled - Katia Rocha. The album would feature a wide variety of composers and producers including: Leandro Braga, plus participants from Ze Renato and Elisa Lucinda. The song Espirito Santino was written about the beauties of her homeland, and has become one of the dearest of songs for the hometowners. 

To get the full Bio and history on this amazing talent, please visit her website at http://www.katiarocha.com.br/

MAURICIO PESSOA
www.mauriciopessoa.com
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 2) 

Rio de Janeiro native Mauricio Pessoa is a 32-year-old singer/songwriter emanating from the current crop of young Brazilian music artists. A cool generation of global-minded new talents hat are keeping the great Brazilian musical tradition alive and well. Mauricio's original compositions are influenced by the classic Bossa Nova and MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) music of composers such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque, Joao Gilberto, Paulinho da Viola and other Brazilian greats. 

Pessoa has been performing solo or with his group since 2006 in some of Rio's most famous venues as well as in important tribute concerts along with major Brazilian stars such as Joao Bosco, Ney Matogrosso and Zeca Pagodinho. One of these performances 'Uma Noite, Noel Rosa' (One Night, Noel Rosa), a tribute to the great Samba composer Noel Rosa was recorded and released on CD and DVD by Universal Music Brasil. 

In 2007, Pessoa records and release his self-titled debut album produced by Rodrigo Campello also on Universal Music Brasil. The album comprised of 11 original songs was very well received by the public and acclaimed by the press as ''a successful start for a Carioca artist featuring brilliantly composed music" (Mauro Ferreira, critic, 'O Dia' newspaper). 

In 2010 Pessoa finalizes his sophomore album entitled 'Habitat' produced in New York by arranger and reeds player Ze Luis Oliveira and producer/A&R Beco Dranoff. The album is the result of Pessoa's long-standing dream to record in the USA, where Bossa Nova and Brazilian music first got worldwide attention. 

Recorded in December 2009 at Spin Studios in New York, HABITAT is centered on a concept, sonic palette and repertoire that was meticulously discussed and planned by Mauricio and producers, Ze Luis and Beco. The trio decided that the direction was to go 'old school' recording all the musicians at once live in the studio. Culling material from Pessoa's wealth of original material, the band was assembled for a marathon of rehearsals and arranging sessions at Ze Luis' studio at the Music Building.

The band includes Mauricio Pessoa (classic guitar and vocal), Ze Luis Oliveira (wood winds, percussion, arrangements), Simone Giuliani (piano), Jim Robertson (double bass) and Kenny Grohowsky (drums). The string quartet is Antoine Silverman (violin), Jonathan Dinklage (violin), Todd Low (viola) and Anja Wood (cello). Other musicians included are Darcy (trombone) and Ze Mauricio (percussion). 

The ten songs on HABITAT reflect the Brazilian landscape drawing inspiration from Pessoa's experiences traveling back and forth to Brazil. Mainly influenced by Bossa Nova, Samba and Jazz, the CD consists of a transcontinental trip through diverse rhythms, sounds and themes. 

ELIZA LACERDA
www.myspace.com/elizalacerda
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 2)

Eliza Lacerda began her career with just seven years of age with the disk recording folk music that enchanted Showcante produced by Joaquim de Paula.His participation in the project was not limited to choirs, was invited to be a child of the soloists.In 2001 he participated in the Coral Coast Muri ridden by Maestro to sing at the opening of Rock'n Rio III with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Ray Lemma.With Voice Choir Co., accompanied Danilo Caymmi CD Tracks season at the Teatro Rival and the launch of the College Campus Dorival Caymmi Estacio de Sa.Member of Cia Cia Singers Voice Karla Boechat, Eliza sang in several shows such as "Worker's Song" (named after Gonzales), "Duets," "Just wanted to Destiny" (named after Roberto Carlos) and " Poet's Village "(in honor of Noel Rosa). In 2002, Eliza auditioned for the vocal group Women of Holland and has since become a component of the quintet that sings only the female of the work of Chico Buarque.

The group has been standing out in the music scene in Rio sold out in all theaters wherever he goes (Rival Theatre SESC, Sala Baden Powell, Mistura Fina, Little Theatre Café). All this experience and information have matured the idea of ​​a solo album, which had complete freedom in their design. In 2005, in partnership with producer, arranger and conductor Flavio Mendes (Maestro of the show Bibi Ferreira in Concert III and guitarist Bossacucanova, among others) began to produce his first CD, titled "Foot Dance ". always influenced by the sounds of Brazil, Eliza disc which has the best in the country. The already established Caetano, Gil, Carlinhos Brown and Lenine share tracks with new people that bring air to the disc a couple of contemporary popular music Brazilian. A daring repertoire sung and played with the right doses of talent and technique by Eliza Lacerda is gradually finding its place in the ears and curious of Brazil and the world. From your CD, Eliza was selected for the Project Gloss held in Rio de Janeiro in 2006.

Project that proposed to assemble the new singers in Brazilian music scene. In July 2007 Women's Holland recorded his first CD / DVD live at Teatro Municipal de Niterói. In August of that year CD "Foot Dance" sparked interest across the world and was launched in the Japanese market. independent bands had already been included in compilations of Brazilian music in Europe and Japan Eliza was called to join the casting of the label and in 2008 Albatross recorded and released in Asia, Japan and Brazil, the CD "Kid's Bossa." Music U.S. infant arranged in bossa nova sung in solo or duets with a singer mirim. Even at the end of 2008 recorded a duet with Guinga for the CD "A friend is for these things "to be released in 2009.

MICHELINE CARDOSO
www.michelinecardoso.com.br
(As Featured on Brazil:Sambossica 1 & 2)

Micheline Cardoso was raised in musical melting pot, and from tender age six was already influenced by the great samba artists such as Mestre Marçal, Darcy da Mangueira and Dona Ivone Lara. Her influences were further shaped by sharing the same " roof and stage" with musicians of all instruments and styles who lived in the same building (a suburbian apartment complex built by the Guild of Musicians) who would practice and play at any time of day. Since the early vocal coaching received from her father, Micheline has taken part in Big Bands such as “Orquestra Tamoio”, “Orquestra Cuba Libre”, “Orquestra Idade Média” and the famed “Orquestra do Maestro Cipó”. Having several backing vocal gigs with top Brazilian artists under her belt (Tim Maia, Bebeto, Martinho da Vila, Geraldo Azevedo, Zé Ramalho, Elba Ramalho, Nando Reis), Micheline has also had the honor of representing Brazilian music in the "Brazilian Carnival Ball" held in Toronto, Canada, in 2002. Her solo career took off in 2004, with the release of Micheline Mayz – “Samba de Pista” (roughly translated as “Samba on the Dance Floor”), distributed by Sony/BMG. In 2005, as she signs with Abstrakt Reality (California) for the release of her cd entitled “Nu.Samba”. 

In 2008, release of cd "Samba Plugado". In this year, Micheline Cardoso showed her music in countries of Europe, in concerts in France, Portugal and Italy with brazilian DJ Luluta and Italian DJ Farrapo. With the success, it is possible to listen her voice in compilations as "Made in Brasil” - DJ Luluta, "Quincy Jointz - The Thief (Shantisan's Brazilicious Remix)", "Brasil:Sambossica (Afro:Baile Records)", "Modern Bit - Aperitivo Italiano (Modern Activism Rec.)" and "Sexy Lounge (Sony/BMG)" with the DJ Shantisan (www.myspace.com/saltedsoul). Now, with her new cd "Cascadura Samba" (2011), Micheline feels that she has matured her creative language by incorporating Brazilian percussion instruments to loops , vintage keyboards and synthesized sounds, all resulting in a very particular, yet universally appealing interpretation of not only her own compositions, but also of Brazilian samba standards. As her recent concerts show – it’s all about the dancing! No compromises.
Micheline's songs have been featured on 2 albums by Afro:Baile including: Que Nego e Esse (Sambossica 1) and Geme (Sambossica 2)