Voadeira
(1999)

On a par with "Trampolin." A wonderful range of arrangements, giving each piece a unique feel. The most common impression might be described as 'haunting' or 'ethereal', but some numbers range into Satie-like humor or old-world nostalgia. Melodies have surprising turns as do harmonic progressions. Easy to like on the first listening but interesting enough to last. A beautiful voice paired with good song selection and creative arrangements. --an Amazon reviewer
 

Trampolim
with Rodolfo Stroeter, Naná Vasconcelos,
Paulo Bellinati, Lelo Nazario, Teco Cardoso
(1998)

Afro-Sambas of Baden Powell & Vinícius De Moraes

interpretations of Baden Powell & Vinicius
songs in collaboration with Paulo Bellinati
(1995)
 

More About Monica Salmaso

Born in São Paulo in 1971, Monica Salmaso has surfaced as one of the best young voices among the new talents of Brasil. She started her musical career singing in a "comedy" directed by the award winning Gabriel Villela. Besides her music studies in São Paulo, Mônica has recorded and performed with important Brazilian artists like Edu Lobo, Eduardo Gudin, José Miguel Wisnik, Marlui Miranda, Guinga, Nelson Ayres and the Jazz Symphonic Orchestra of São Paulo. She was one of the soloists on the album CANÇÕES DE NINAR by Paulo Tatit and Sandra Peres. The CD won Brasil's "Prêmio Sharp - 95" as Best Recording for Children.

In 1995 she recorded AFRO SAMBAS, a voice and guitar album, arranged and produced by Brazilian guitarist Paulo Bellinati. The CD premiered the complete Afro-Sambas by Baden Powell and Vinícius de Moraes, including the famous Berimbau and Consolação; released in US and Europe by GSP (Guitar Solo Publication) Records. In the same year, recorded with Paulo Bellinati the song "A Felicidade" by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes for one Brazilian Jobim's song book by Lumiar Records.

In 1997, she was nominated for Prêmio Sharp - 97 as Best New Singer on Brazilian Popular Music with the CD AFRO SAMBAS. In 1998 she recorded her first solo CD TRAMPOLIM - Pau Brasil Music (in Brazil) and Bluejackel Records (in USA) produced by Rodolfo Stroeter. The cd features some of the most creative musicians in Brazilian contemporary music such as Nana Vasconcelos, Teco Cardoso, Paulo Bellinati, among others.

In May of 1999, Monica Salmaso won the Visa-Mastercard-Eldorado Prize for best singer in Brazil among 1.200 contestants, all over the country. Also in 1999 Mônica was awarded “best singer” from Brazil by APCA – (Associação Paulista dos Críticos de Arte), and it is particularly important as it is given by a poll of the most important Brazilian press community. --Monica Salmaso website

Also See:
Brazilian Divas

Brazilian Music Index