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LUCIANO LEÃES – BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN R&B / NEW ORLEANS PIANO AND LATIN AMERICA
On May 5, Brazilian pianist Luciano Leães presents “Inner Song,” the first single from his upcoming album New Orleans Sessions, set for release later this year. The premiere at the New Orleans Jazz Museum marks the beginning of a new chapter in his artistic journey.
“Inner Song” introduces the musical language of New Orleans Sessions, revealing a sound rooted in New Orleans music and Black American Music, approached from the perspective of a Latin American pianist shaped by years of listening to and performing jazz, blues, soul, and R&B.
It is not imitation, but a personal language — built through lived experience, deep listening, and ongoing dialogue with musicians from Brazil and New Orleans. From this intersection, Leães operates as a bridge, connecting people, cultures, and ideas through music.
This approach is recognized by the musicians who took part in the project — some of the key figures of the New Orleans scene, including Grammy-winning artists:
Jake Eckert — Engineer, producer and owner of Rhythm Shack Studios
“It was a joy to work with Luciano in the studio during his visits to New Orleans. Luciano is a very genuine musician and approaches New Orleans music with mastery, love, and respect. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him here in New Orleans on several occasions. He will always have a seat at the Rhythm Shack Studio.”
Terence Higgins — drums
“What a great session we had with Luciano, he's the man. I see him as one of the great musicians of our time, I love his music and his devotion to New Orleans music. He calls upon the giants of the past through his own music.”
Cornell Williams — bass
“It was a pleasure meeting Luciano. The musical vision he brought to the studio makes the work easier for the musicians. Luciano exudes a contagious vibe. It's a pleasure working with him.”
Recognized by Blues Matters! Magazine as the “Brazilian Professor,” in reference to Professor Longhair, Leães has developed this language over nearly three decades of career.
He has performed at major festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, and has shared the stage with artists including Hubert Sumlin, Carey Bell, Tony Coleman, Lionel Batiste Jr., and James Boogaloo Bolden.
“Inner Song” is about that internal music that moves us forward — a feeling that guides decisions, sustains belief, and points the way through paths, encounters, and the serendipity of life. It reflects a journey of connection — between places, traditions, and personal truth.
Recorded in New Orleans alongside musicians at the heart of the city’s sound, New Orleans Sessions is the result of over a decade of immersion in the local scene. The project emerges not from distant influence, but from direct experience and ongoing musical exchange.
Recognized by the New Orleans Jazz Museum as one of the leading representatives of New Orleans piano, Luciano Leães has established himself as a key figure connecting this tradition to Brazil and Latin America. As stated by the institution:
“Luciano Leães is the leading representative of New Orleans piano in Brazil and perhaps in Latin America.
A STRONG INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
With nearly 30 years of career, the pianist, composer, and arranger has shared the stage with artists such as Carey Bell, Hubert Sumlin, Tony Coleman, James Boogaloo Bolden, and Annika Chambers.
Pianist and producer Ron Levy, who has worked with B. B. King and Albert King, describes his sound as:
“The perfect mix of New Orleans R&B and Brazilian soul.”
Bassist Reggie Scanlan adds:
“Luciano Leães is the real deal. His groove is deep and authentic — with the same passion and intensity I’ve seen in players like Professor Longhair and James Booker.”
Leães has performed at major international festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and Lucerne Blues Festival. In Brazil, he has also appeared at the Bourbon Street Fest, one of the country’s leading events dedicated to New Orleans music.
In 2013, he was invited to open for Elton John in Porto Alegre, delivering a solo performance.
NEW ORLEANS AS A SECOND HOME
Regularly active in the Southern U.S. music scene, Leães performs at legendary venues like the Maple Leaf and Tipitina’s, true temples of New Orleans music. Additionally, the Brazilian pianist is responsible for the Jazz Fest Kickoff at the Maple Leaf, an event that launches the venue's concert schedule during New Orleans' most important music festival.
During his tours, he has shared the stage with some of the city's biggest names, including Lionel Batiste Jr., John Fohl, Jon Cleary, Kirk Joseph, Eddie Christmas, and Reggie Scanlan. He also took part in the posthumous release of the live album Live at Chicago, by his piano guru and the greatest R&B piano legend of New Orleans – the iconic Professor Longhair. On that occasion, Leães took his idol’s place at the piano, performing alongside a band of top local musicians at the Louisiana Music Factory.
DISCOGRAPHY AND AWARDS
Leães has released the albums Power of Love (2015) with his band The Big Chiefs, followed by the live album Live at Pianístico, recorded in Joinville, Brazil. His career also stands out for his work as a studio musician and producer, earning him four Açorianos Awards as a producer and instrumentalist.
His latest singles, Fessta Brasilis – featuring Grammy-winning percussionist Tuti Rodrigues and renowned New Orleans tuba player Kirk Joseph – and Song for JB, recorded with the Unisinos Anchieta Orchestra, reaffirm his versatility and ability to connect Brazil with New Orleans.
BRIDGING CULTURES
Leães’ work is built on connection. Rather than reproducing traditions, he approaches Black American Music as a living language — one that can be translated through his Brazilian and Latin American background.
His music has been featured on WWOZ and covered by international media, reinforcing his growing global presence.
By bridging musical traditions from New Orleans and Brazil, Luciano Leães develops a distinctive artistic voice — one that moves beyond borders while remaining deeply rooted in its origins.
VIDEO E AUDIO
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FORMATS
LUCIANO LEÃES SOLO SESSIONS
(piano and vocals)
Description:
A solo performance centered on piano and vocals, exploring the language of New Orleans piano through blues, jazz, soul, and R&B — in the same format presented at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Fee:
starting at R$ 5,000
LUCIANO LEÃES — NEW ORLEANS SESSIONS (TRIO)
(piano, bass and drums)
Description:
A trio format focused on groove, rhythmic interaction, and collective improvisation, expanding the project’s musical language into a dynamic and versatile setting.
Fee:
starting at R$ 9,000
LUCIANO LEÃES — NEW ORLEANS SESSIONS (COMBO)
(piano, bass, drums, guitar and/or saxophone)
Description:
An expanded formation featuring more structured arrangements, greater sonic depth, and the addition of horns, bringing the performance closer to the full concept of the album.
Fee:
starting at R$ 14,000
LUCIANO LEÃES & BIG CHIEFS
(A New Orleans Second Line Experience — featuring horns, backing vocals, and second line elements)
Description:
A large-scale performance inspired by the traditions of New Orleans, with strong rhythmic, visual, and collective energy. Incorporates brass band and second line elements to create an immersive experience that travels through the history of Black American Music.
Fee:
starting at R$ 25,000
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