This special Jazz Standard engagement pairs two of New York’s finest Brazilian musicians – both past headliners on our stage in their own right – in a series of intimate duet performances. Grammy award winner Luciana Souza’s two latest releases the book of Chet and Duo’s III have both received Grammy nominations this year.  Four of her previous recordings have also received Grammy nominations including Brazilian Duos (2002), North and South (2003), and Tide (2009). Billboard hailed Luciana as “a uniquely talented vocalist who organically crosses genre borders. Her music soulfully reflects, wistfully regrets, romantically woos, joy­fully celebrates…” Romero Lubambo – praised by the late Herbie Mann as “the best Brazilian guitarist there is” is an uncommonly gifted soloist and musical improviser with a steady stream of unpredictably creative musical thoughts that range from the cool, sophisticated rhythms of Brazil to bracing hard bop. The guitarist has established himself as a composer and performer on his own critically acclaimed re­cording projects as well as on those of Trio Da Paz (with Nilson Matta and Duduka da Fonseca); as a first call sideman, Romero Lubambo has worked with artists from Yo–Yo Ma and Kathleen Battle to Harry Belafonte and Wynton Marsalis.

Luciana Souza – vocals

Romero Lubambo – guitar