“Vinicius Cantuaria is a class act, with a great band, knockout songs and a freewheeling spirit that's almost (though I'm reluctant to use the term) rock'n'roll.” –John Walters, The Guardian

Photo by Andrea Canter

Brazilian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist Vinicius Cantuária was unknown to most Twin Cities’ jazz fans when he performed at the Dakota last spring, and now his return is an eagerly anticipated event. His blend of Brazilian themes, electronica and modern jazz has enthralled international audiences, while his compositions have helped fuel the careers of such popular artists as Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, and Gilberto Gil .

Born in Manaus in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Vinicius Cantuária was only seven when his family moved to Rio, yet he notes that his early surroundings “influenced my whole soundworld. It really influenced my concepts of rhythm and atmosphere.” His real attraction to music came with the rise of the Beatles. “I was twelve years old and this music changed my world. I remember that each time after school I went home running so I could listen to them on the radio. That's the first music I paid any attention to…After that, I began listening to Sinatra, Jobim, Miles, and many others.”

Paulo Braga, Photo by Andrea Canter

Cantuária became fluent on both guitar and percussion. He formed a rock band in 1970 (O Terco) and played in the backing band for Tropicalia legend Caetano Veloso for ten years. He’s also played percussion for Bill Frisell’s The Intercontinentals. However, he notes that the acoustic guitar is the central element of his music. Although the final arrangement might call for electric instruments, every composition begins on acoustic guitar. “I try reminding people of Miles Davis and Chet Baker – the music and harmonies are so sweet. This is my Fab Four: Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Tom Jobim and Chet Baker.”

Cantuária’s career covers more than two decades as well as two continents. While living in Rio, he performed with Brazil’s pop elite, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, and Caetano Veloso, for whom he wrote his first million-selling hit, “Lua e Estrella.” Moving to New York to pursue a solo career in the mid 90s, Cantuária has been much-sought as both percussionist and guitarist by stars of rock, jazz, world music, and performance art, including Arto Lindsay, Laurie Anderson, David Byrne, Bill Frisell, John Zorn, Marc Ribot, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and many others. Before moving to New York, Cantuária made several solo albums; shortly after arriving in the U.S., he released his international breakthrough recording, Sol Na Cara (1996). His most recent release is Silva on Hannibal/Rykodisc (2005).

Today, Cantuária’s band has been described as ‘post-electronica acoustic’ (or in other words, it defies classification). His usual compatriots include jazz bassist Paul Socolow, young Steely Dan trumpeter Michael Leonhart, legendary Brazilian drummer Paulo Braga, and a rotating crew of brass and percussion specialists. Their repertoire covers Jobim and Gil as well as Cantuária’s own lyrical compositions—many of which are best-selling hits in Brazil.

“Very nice things happen when you make the guitar sing. With it I make music that is a reflection of my soul.”—Vinicius Cantuária

Vinicius Cantuaria and his band will perform two sets each night, February 20-21, at the Dakota in downtown Minneapolis, 1010 Nicollet Mall; www.dakotacooks.com