Updated: August 20, 2024
Born: March 10, 1959
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I started playing acoustic guitar (violao) at the age of 8 years old, influenced by my older brother who played the guitar and helped me with my first chords. I have also been influenced by the music of bossa- nova giants at the time such as Joao Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Carlos Lyra, Joao Donato, Marcus Valle and many more. Growing up in Rio in the 60’s and 70’s has contributed tremendously to the energy, groove and rhythms reflected in my music today.
Moving to New York in the 80’s has motivated me to, not only continuing playing the guitar, but to further enhance my knowledge of music and the guitar itself, hence I started to study with some of the jazz greats including Chuck Wayne, Sal Salvador, Alex Adrian, Hui Cox and Joe Carter. Since the beginning of the 90’s I have been travelling the world, playing with different bands and at various venues in many different countries in Europe, Africa and elsewhere.
In the United States, some of the names I have shared music with includes, Gil Goldsten, Cidinho Teixeira, Leco Reis, Luis Ebert, Claudia Villela, Adriano Santos, Helio Alves, Nilson Matta, Mauricio Zottarelli, Lonnie Plaxico, Duduka da Fonseca, Olivia Foschi, Lucila Novaes, Alex Sipiagin, Greg Skaff and many others. I was also a member of the United Nations Jazz band for over 15 years and performed in various venues in New York City.
While living in The Netherlands from 2003 until 2011, I have played with some of the top local musicians including pianist Ferial Karamat and singer Arno Kolenbrander in which I have arranged and recorded some of his music as well as participated in various radio programs in Amsterdam.
Together with other friend/musicians I founded the jazz/Brazilian/funk band named “Malandros”. In Spain, I have been presenting my latest work 'Swingando' with great success at venues such as the Madrid International Jazz Festival, Sala Clamores (Madrid), Sala Matisse (Valencia), Moe Jazz Club (Madrid), El Plaza Jazz Club (Madrid), Cafe Mercedes Jazz (Valencia), Sala Matisse (Valencia), La Fabrica de Hielo (Valencia) and Jimmy Glass Jazz Club (Valencia). In the form of Sextet, Quintet and at times trio, I have worked with some of the greatest musicians in Europe such as Viktorija Pilatovic, Veronica Ferreiro, Dayan Adab Garcia, Ariel Ramirez, Roque Martinez, Luis Guerra, Voro Garcia, Baptiste Bailly, Ivan Ruiz Machado, Alex Cesarini, Mariano Steimberg, Georvis Pico, Alexey Leon, Perico Sambeat, Kiki Ferrer, Diego Ebeler, Juan San Martin and Jose San Martin .
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Sergio Pereira: Bossa+
by Edward Blanco
New York-based Brazilian guitarist/composer and vocalist Sergio Pereira unveils an album of light Brazilian music on Bossa+, continuing his exploration of bossa nova, samba, choro and other Brazilian styles, melding them with an ambient classical jazz sound that is well beyond the familiar traditional music. Proud of his cultural heritage and the impact of music on his life, of the album Pereira states that “Bossa + is an album that reflects the music and sounds that come from my life ...
Continue ReadingReza Khan: Imaginary Road
by Jack Bowers
To impartially assess Imaginary Road, Bangladeshi-raised, New York-based guitarist Reza Khan's sixth album, it is best to lay aside as best one can his disposition for or against what could reasonably be labeled “smooth jazz" and start from there. Is the music melodically and rhythmically likeable? Yes, it is. Are the musicians technically able? Yes, they are. Beyond that, what can be said? Well, the ten songs are essentially atmospheric, depicting the sort of aural landscapes that ...
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1. Contemporary Fusion Reviews: by Dick Metcalf "...as I listen to Sergio’s splendid guitar on the percussion-driven opener, “Down South“, the “thrill is back” – no doubt!..." "Trem Do Tempo” (Time Train) will sway you gently on your way to Latin jazz oblivion… I can (easily) see this one winning awards this year....",
2. The Vinyl Anachronist: "...His guitar is soft yet intricate, full of so many flavors that instantly transport you to the Southern hemisphere..." "...Pereira's compositions and arrangements lean toward the impressionistic, resulting in a sound that envelops you with warmth, vivaciousness and a miraculous gift of seduction..."
