GUILHERME VERGUEIRO
Tanta Luz
Listen to samples:
Fogo na veia
Nosso Amor
Born in S‹o Paulo, Brazil, Guilherme was
the grandson of an acclaimed Brazilian classical
pianist who early on recognized the lad's
pianistic gift. "He trained me in the classics,"
recalls Guilherme, "but my heart took me
elsewhere." Instead, he turned to samba, choro
and bossa nova (the music of his homeland).
At only 17, he was already leading his own
groups in São Paulo and Rio, playing with
such Brazilian legends as Edison Machado,
Agostinho dos Santos, and Leny Andrade.
In 1975 Guilherme moved to New York, where
he performed in several jazz clubs, theaters and
universities with his and bassist Walter Booker
group "Love, Carnival and Dreams" and served
as musical director at Cachaça, the city's only club
specializing in Brazilian music. In 1980,he made
his solo album debut, and from then on, he became
one of the most in-demand arrangers, pianists,
touring musicians, and headliners in the genre.
Over the years, he has toured with his own groups, featuring as special
guests such renowned artists as Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Robertinho
Silva, Raul de Souza and Mads Vinding. His musical career has taken him
to many nations throughout the world including Denmark, Italy, Spain,
France, Japan and of course the U.S. and Brazil.
He has continued to record as well, releasing five solo albums here and
in Brazil. "I'm a lucky man," says the artist. "I've been all over the world,
and everywhere I go, the response to Brazilian music is marvelous.
The music never lets me, or my audiences, down."
As for his special relationship with his instrument, his words are echoed
in his extraordinary playing. "The piano is so wonderful," notes Guilherme.
"There's always something new to discover. if you treat her right,
the piano always gives something back."
As the artistry on his recordings and performances makes evident,
one can safely say the same about Guilherme Vergueiro himself.
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