Mario Bakuna

Following his first album ‘Where Rio de Janeiro Meets Bahia’, Mario’s most recent release is 'Brazilian Landscapes' which features new arrangements of material by great composers such as Marcos Valle, Claudio Bertrami, Rique Pantoja, Gilberto Gil, Djavan, João Bosco, Arismar do Espirito Santo, and the 'forrozeiros' Dominguinhos and Luiz Gonzaga. The album is a tribute to the culture and memory of Brazilian people and it's the result of years of inspiration Mario Bakuna drew upon while travelling through Brazil, experiencing its rhythmic and harmonic richness. From the arid landscape of the northeast, which is reflected in the chorus of songs of Forró, Baião and Xaxado, to the African influence found in Ijexá, the popularity of Samba and the sophistication of Bossa Nova, Mario Bakuna and his musicians celebrate the most musically rich territory on Earth. Mario Bakuna is a Brazilian composer, singer and guitar player currently based in London, UK. Over the past few years, he has emerged as a leading figure and a reference in England's Brazilian Jazz Music scene. Bakuna has extensively performed in Europe and beyond, playing at distinguished venues and festivals across 18 European countries, Brazil, Madagascar, and Azerbaijan, with sold-out concerts and great acclaim. (www.mariobakuna.com)