Claudia Villela

“… Brazilian-born genius with a blistering voice.” – JazzTimes

For Claudia Villela, music is a journey into spontaneity and inspiration as her past recording projects with Toots Thielemanns, Kenny Werner, and Michael Brecker can attest. Raised in Rio de Janeiro she absorbed the folkloric tradition of her native Brazil, as well as the influences of classical composers and American jazz. Her vocal improvisations and compositions encompass the full range of emotive sound, sometimes dramatic, sometimes humorous, but always fascinating. In tribute to Elis Regina – Brazil’s most influential pop/jazz vocalist – Villela will perform a set of Regina’s signature songs followed by a set of her own engaging compositions. Performing with Villela are Jeff Buenz – guitar; Gary Brown – bass; Celso Alberti – drums; and newcomer Vitor Goncalves – piano and accordion.