Elza Soares: Samba, Jazz & Soul

This program is dedicated to legendary Brazilian singer Elza Soares. Born in 1937 in Rio de Janeiro and still very much active today, iconic Elza Soares is revered as a true "living legend" in Brazilian music. Releasing her first hit Se Acaso Voce Chegasse in 1959, Elza’s career spans more than 50 years with over 30 albums released including a wide range of rhythms and genres from Bossa Nova, Samba and Jazz, to Samba-Rock, Pop, Afro-Brazilian, Samba-Enredo, Electronica, and even Hip Hop.

Elza’s vocal style echoes such greats as Ella Fitzgerald for her phrasing and scatting ability, Tina Turner for her soulfulness and amazing career span and Louie Armstrong's raspy and husky voice. After huge initial success, Elza lived through a very difficult period in the 70's until being re-discovered by a younger generation. Today her career includes a Grammy nomination for the 2002 album Do Cóccix Ao Pescoço, a Singer Of The Millennium Award from the BBC, as well as duets and collaborations with Brazilian superstars Caetano Veloso, Jorge Ben Jor, Chico Buarque, Jair Rodrigues, Seu Jorge and many more. Elza is a bonafide Brazilian treasure!

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