Role

:

Performer

Country

:

Brazil

Birth

:

June 14, 1966 in São Paulo, Brazil

 

Luciana Souza is a Brazilian jazz singer and composer who has made a name for herself in the world of classical music. Born on July 14, 1966, in São Paulo, Brazil, Souza grew up in a musical family. Her father, Walter Santos, was a guitarist and composer, and her mother, Tereza Souza, was a singer and poet. Souza's parents were both involved in the Brazilian music scene, and they exposed her to a wide range of musical styles from an early age. Souza began singing professionally at the age of three, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing regularly in clubs and festivals throughout Brazil. She studied music at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where she earned a degree in music composition. After graduation, she moved to the United States to pursue a career in music. In the early 1990s, Souza began performing with jazz musicians in New York City, including saxophonist Stan Getz and pianist Herbie Hancock. She also released her first album, "An Answer to Your Silence," in 1999, which received critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the jazz world. Over the next decade, Souza continued to release albums and perform at major jazz festivals around the world. In 2002, she won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her album "Brazilian Duos." She also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including pianist Kenny Werner, guitarist Romero Lubambo, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to her work in jazz, Souza has also explored classical music. In 2005, she released an album of Bach compositions called "Bachianas," which featured her singing in both Portuguese and English. She has also performed with classical musicians, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Souza's music is known for its blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz harmonies, as well as her unique vocal style. She often incorporates elements of Brazilian folk music into her compositions, and her lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. In recent years, Souza has continued to push the boundaries of jazz and classical music. In 2018, she released an album called "The Book of Longing," which featured her setting the poetry of Leonard Cohen to music. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Souza's ability to blend different genres and styles. Throughout her career, Souza has received numerous awards and accolades for her music. In addition to her Grammy win, she has been nominated for several other Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Latin Jazz Album. She has also been recognized by the DownBeat Critics Poll and the Jazz Journalists Association. Souza's music has touched audiences around the world, and she continues to be a leading voice in the world of jazz and classical music. Her unique blend of Brazilian rhythms, jazz harmonies, and poetic lyrics has earned her a place among the greats of modern music.

More....