Teresa Ines

Biography

Teresa Ines, who was named a great Latin diva by the Boston Globe newspaper started her career in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a rich blend of African and Portuguese-derived styles, such as the earthy, percussive samba and its jazzier, coolly intellectual cousin, bossa nova, are constantly fusing, branching out and evolving.

After being awarded with a scholarship to attend the famed Berklee School of Music she moved to Boston and became“ the most well-known Brazilian vocalist” on New England’s scene (World Rhythm). During the last 10 years, Ines has taken the music of her country  throughout the United States, Europe and South America.  In 2003, Ines was invited to be the open act for the Bossa Nova Master João Gilberto concert in Boston and to sing at the “40 years of Bossa Nova” event sponsored by the Brazilian Consulate. Ines has grafted specific American jazz influences onto her inclusive yet eclectic vocabulary of Brazilian melodies and rhythms. Her warmly crooning voice with its clarinet-like overtones, which has been compared to that of her great countrywoman, Nana Caymmi, is further enhanced by sophisticated phrasing, an elegant delivery and a magnetically charismatic, unselfconsciously sensual stage presence.

As a bandleader, Ines has been able to tailor her arrangements to the exact timbre of her voice. Her band, which typically features a piano, woodwinds, guitar, bass and drum kit, plus Brazilian percussion like the pandeiro and berimbau , intuitively shadows her vocals through quicksilver runs, smoldering torchers and languid balladry. The ensemble’s membership hails from all over South and North America and their fierce chops and cosmopolitan outlook provide a perfect showcase for Ines’ own tropical city-girl roots.

Her newest CD, Ave Rara (Rare Bird), is accompanied by a fine group of musicians and offers a selection of yearning, soulful songs like the title tune, which was composed by Edu Lobo & Aldir Blanc and demonstrates a mellow yet upbeat aspect of Ines’ personality. Another highlight is her funky arrangement of Tuaregue e Nagô by composer Lenine. Among Ines’ own compositions, Cores Frias, is couched in a classic bossa nova style, while Com Sabor, her thoughtful portrait of the warmth of a woman’s heart, is sung over a lush string quartet. A lyrical choro called Marambaia displays her virtuosity and elegance while Pra que discutir com Madame, a classic song by the renowned bossa nova maestro João Gilberto, is given a more lively and playful reading.

Ines’ live shows are a richly staged cornucopia of spirited Brazilian sexiness, soul, saudade (loosely, homesick languor), humor and unashamed emotion. Her beauty, passion and beguiling gentleness can chill out a blazing summer afternoon or illuminate the darkest, bitterest winter night. Since the mid-90s, Ines has sung lead with the cream of Boston’s Brazilian jazz groups including Brasileirinho and Zabumbatuq. With theTeresa Ines Quintet, she has performed at Ryles and the Regattabar and headlined at the Cafe Teatro Series at the Villa Victoria Cultural Center, First Night Boston, and the Cambridge River Festival. Ines’s international bookings have taken her to Brazil, Suriname and throughout Europe.

Instrumentation

  • Fernando Brandao - flutes
  • Nando Michelin - piano
  • Bruno Raberg - acoustic bass
  • Vinicius Pienasola - drums and percussion

The group features top level musicians who are versatile and fluent in the Brazilian music idiom.

In the group, the match of instruments such as the piano, the alto flute, the bass drum, the pandeiro, and the berimbau create a unique harmonious sonority with Teresa’s voice. Her band members are from all over South America. Brazilian Fernando Brandáo’s virtuoso flute playing matches the vocal line and creates an orchestral unison. The piano, skillfully played by Uraguayan Nando Michelin, provides intense harmonic texture. Brazilian Pedro Ito’s drumming and Swedish bruno Raberg's creative bass playing add the jazzy element to the music.

Discography

  • ZABUMBATUQ - (1996) This album is a funky collection of original songs by Jairzinho, Leo Cioglia, Teresa Ines and more.
  • "LIVE IN BOSTON" (1999) - This album brings to the listener the audacious approach of a live recording. Includes well-known classic Bossa Nova and Samba songs by the Masters Tom Jobim and Paulinho da Viola as well as the contemporary Lenine. The performances are a strong representation of the Brazilian Jazz idiom.
  • "AVE RARA" (2004) - This album showcases Teresa Ines as songwriter and also includes some fresh yet traditional reinterpretations of Jobim’s and classic Choro songs.
  • "MOTHER EARTH LULLABY" This album is a compilation of lullabies from around the world and showcases Teresa Ines lullaby 'Flor e estrela", released by the record label Ellipsis arts