Vinicius Cantuária

Vinicius Cantuária was born in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, living there until he was seven, when his family moved to Rio. As singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist, his career connects several zones of Brazilian music. And though his music is known for its decidedly twenty-first century feel, Cantuária’s band might best be described as ‘post-electronica acoustic’ – a band that includes jazz bassist Paul Socolow, Michael Leonhart (the young Steely Dan trumpeter) and a rotating crew of Brazilian percussionists Nanny Assis, Mauro Refosco and legendary drummer Paulo Braga. His albums, always critics’ favorites, have featured collaborations with Brian Eno, Laurie Anderson, Brad Mehldau, Arto Lindsay, Bill Frisell, Marc Ribot, David Byrne and Ryuichi Sakamoto.Though Vinicius pioneered the world of neo-Brazilian music and pushes boundaries with each of his albums, he strives to keep his music beautiful and pure, stating "I try reminding people of Miles Davis and Chet Baker – the music and harmonies are so sweet."