After successfully releasing 'FESSTA BRASILIS' in the USA to both public and critical acclaim, Leães continues his releases throughout Brazil and prepares to take his 'FESSTA' to Europe in August.

Black White Aesthetic CD Album Cover (4)_edited.jpg

Luciano Leães, also known as "The Brazilian Professor" by the British magazine Blues Matters, recently showcased his latest single, "Fessta Brasilis," at the renowned Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans. Blending the musical influences of the legendary New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair with the vibrant rhythms of Brazilian and South American music, Leães brings an innovative perspective to his ever-evolving career.

During the recordings, Leães was joined by notable special guests, including Kirk Joseph from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, John Fohl from Dr. John's band, Lionel Batiste Jr. from Tremen and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, as well as Grammy-winning Brazilian producer and percussionist Tuti Rodrigues. The audience was captivated by their compelling collaboration.

WWOZ - New Orleans Show w/ Missy BowenENTREVISTA

00:00 / 03:56

Following the successful premiere of "Fessta Brasilis" at the Maple Leaf, Luciano Leães gave an exclusive interview to renowned DJ Missy Bowen on WWOZ. In the interview, he shared insights into the creative process behind "Fessta Brasilis" and discussed his artistic journey. During June and July, Leães will continue his tour to release his album in several Brazilian cities.

However, in August, with the worldwide release of "Fessta Brasilis," Luciano Leães is preparing to embark on a European tour. Stay tuned as Luciano Leães continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his innovative fusion of musical styles, offering unique and memorable experiences.

“Luciano is one of these amazing cats who plays blues, R&B and New Orleans-style keyboards so well and with so much soul that after you hear him, you’ll want to do one of two things: (1) quit, or (2) go practice and try like hell to catch up. One of the baddest cats out there on the scene, end of story...”

BOB LOHR

Chuck Berry's Pianist

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS KIRK JOSEPH, JOHN FOHL, LIONEL BATISTE JR (USA) AND TUTI RODRIGUES (BRA)

The Brazilian pianist's latest single, "Fessta Brasilis," presents a unique fusion of musical styles, drawing inspiration from the renowned New Orleans piano player Professor Longhair and Brazilian/South American music, bringing a new edge to his career. The official worldwide release is scheduled to occur at The Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, followed by availability on various streaming platforms and digital mediums when he returns to Brasil.

Black White Aesthetic CD Album Cover (6)_edited_edited.png

"Extraordinary artists do not

appear overnight. I believe

people will remember Luciano Leães for a long time. Musically,

the Brazilian musician is at the crossroads where past, present and future meet"

- RUSS RAGSDALE,

Nashville producer (Leon Russell,

Michael Jackson, Muddy Waters among others)

FESSTA BRASILISLuciano Leães Combo

00:00 / 03:56

The track is a fusion of R&B, jazz, Brazilian, and South American rhythms, showcasing Leães' unique sound and innovative approach to music. In a recent interview with Blues Matters Magazine, Luciano Leães was referred to as "The Brazilian Professor," highlighting his deep influence of New Orleans pianist Professor Longhair, who had a profound impact on Leães's music. "Professor Longhair was a pioneer of the New Orleans piano sound, and his music has had a profound impact on me as a musician," said Leães. "I wanted to pay tribute to him and create something that blended his style with my own Brazilian and South American influences."

"What I remember about Luciano Leães is that he is not an atypical presence. Many have watched him play here [in New Orleans]." When Luciano invokes my father's legacy, he is one of the best pianists to appear in this role"

PAT BYRD

Professor Longhair's Daughter

The result is a dynamic and energetic track that features Leães's virtuosic piano playing, backed by a tight rhythm section that blends R&B, jazz, Maracatu, Maxixe, and more. The track was produced by Leães and New Orleans piano player Tom Worrell. It was recorded at Estudio do Arco (Porto Alegre - Brazil) and Rhythm Shack Studios (New Orleans) by Leães and Jake Eckert. The band is Luciano Leães (piano and Hammond B3), Ronie Martinez (drums), Edu Meirelles (bass), Ronaldo Pereira (sax), Julio Rizzo (trombone), Bruno Nascimento (trumpet) and Vicente Guedes (percussion).

A standout moment was Ronaldo Pereira's saxophone solo on "Festa Brasilis," which blended jazz, blues, and Brazilian music to create a vibrant and authentic sound. His virtuosic playing added a brilliant touch to the song, showcasing his technical proficiency and musicality.

Luciano Leães - Audio Porto Sessions - web-1610_edited_edited.png

LUCIANO LEÃES COMBO

PRODUCERS LUCIANO LEÃES AND TOM WORRELL

SPECIAL GUESTS

FOTO BY ZE CARLOS DE ANDRADE

In addition to Leães's band, "Fessta Brasilis" also features some of New Orleans' and Brazil's great musicians, including sousaphone player Kirk Joseph, guitarist John Fohl, drummer Lionel Batiste Jr., and percussionist Tuti Rodrigues.

Kirk Joseph is a veteran of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and is widely regarded as one of the best sousaphone players in the world. His deep, grooving bass lines provide the perfect foundation for Leães's piano playing. In recognition of his exceptional talent que received one Grammy Award and one nomination.

John Fohl was a highly talented guitarist who made a name for himself and through his collaborations with renowned artists such as Bo Diddley, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown,and Dr. John. Over the years, Fohl developed his own style and his exceptional skills and creativity earned him two Grammy nominations and one award, cementing his status as a top-notch musician.

Tuti Rodrigues is an award-winning Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, arranger, composer, and music producer. Tuti's expertise in using percussion instruments helped create a unique and dynamic sound on the song. His contributions bring a fresh perspective to the fusion of New Orleans and Brazilian rhythms that are present throughout the track. The collaboration between Tuti Rodrigues and Luciano Leães resulted in a dynamic and captivating musical journey that is sure to delight listeners.

Lionel Batiste Jr. is a legendary New Orleans musician and vocalist. His tambourine feel added to "Festa Brasilis" is a fitting tribute to his legacy as a pillar of the New Orleans music community. Batiste Jr. and Leães had a natural music connection with. Their shared passion for music helped them create a deep and intuitive understanding that is evident in their performances together.

"What's the perfect mix between

New Orleans R&B and Brazilian soul?

Luciano Leães & The Big Chiefs"

RON LEVY

Music producer and Pianist / Organist

for BB King, Albert King among others.

Luciano Leães at Jazz & Heritage Festival

With this all-star lineup of musicians, "FESSta Brasilis" is a testament to the power of collaboration and the universality of music. It's a track that celebrates the rich traditions of both New Orleans and Brazil, and showcases the talents of some of the finest musicians around.

"FESSta Brasilis" is the first single from Leães's upcoming album, which is set to be released later this year. The album will feature original compositions, all infused with Leães's signature blend of New Orleans piano, R&B, jazz and Brazilian / South American rhythms. Leães is currently on tour, performing throughout Brazil and South America, and is set to announce upcoming tour dates in North America and Europe.

BOB LOHR

Chuck Berry's Pianist

FOTO BY ZE CARLOS DE ANDRADE

Title: "Fessta Brasilis"
Written by: Luciano Leães

Arrangements by: Luciano Leães

Performed by: Luciano Leães Combo

Produced by: Luciano Leães and Tom Worrell

THE BAND

Piano and Hammond: Luciano Leães

Drums: Ronie Martinez

Tenor Sax: Ronaldo Pereira

Trumpet: Bruno Nascimento

Trombone: Julio Rizzo

FEATURING:

Tuba: Kirk Joseph

Tambourine: Lionel Batiste Jr.

Guitar: John Fohl

Percussion: Tuti Rodrigues

Mix and master by: Gilberto Ribeiro Jr.

CREDITS:

Recorded by Luciano Leães at Estudio do Arco (Porto Alegre / Brasil) and Jake Eckert at Rhythm Shack Studios (New Orleans / USA)

Published by: Arco Music

Cover Art by: Arco Music

Photography by: Zé Carlos de Andrade

"What's the perfect mix between

New Orleans R&B and Brazilian soul?

Luciano Leães & The Big Chiefs"

RON LEVY

Music producer and Pianist / Organist for BB King, Albert King among others.

MORE ABOUT LUCIANO LEÃES

On August 11th the Brazilian pianist Luciano Leães released his latest work "LIVE AT PIANISTICO" in a packed theater of the Santa Casa Cultural-Historical Center in Porto Alegre. In the new album Leães does not stray from the blues, but takes a step further, as he expands his views on R&B, jazz and instrumental music with elements of Brazilian and Latin American music. Besides Leães' piano playing, the trio is formed by Edu Meirelles (bass) and Ronie Martinez (drums).

The CD/booklet contains the presentation of his trio during the pandemic in one of the main instrumental music festivals n Brazil: the International Pianistico Festival. In this same edition shined names like Jeff Gardner (USA), Amilton Godoy (Zimbo Trio), Michael Pipoquinha, and Cristóvão Bastos (Black Rio). With each new addition, the event held in southern Brazil brings together the cream of local and South American musicians, in addition to bringing artists from various parts of the world. In this important exchange, genres are mixed - classical, jazz, blues, Brazilian popular music, etc. Initially, Luciano Leães did not intend to release a live album of this performance, but the work materialized thanks to the encouragement of producer Russ Ragsdale (Nashville, TEN) and Tom Worrell (New Orleans, LA), resident pianist in New Orleans. The North Americans were thrilled with what they heard, convincing the Brazilian musician to release the concert as a live album.

In April 2022 the musician had already performed the international premiere of "Live at Panistico" in the traditional New Orleans (USA) Maple Leaf Bar, where musicians such as Jon Cleary, George Porter, Bonnie Raitt, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, James Booker among others performed. In July he was the soloist of the Jazz Special of the Porto Alegre Symphony Orchestra (OSPA), and in September he was the highlight of the main festival in Brazil that honors the music and culture of New Orleans - the Bourbon Street Fest in São Paulo - along with great musicians such as Corey Henry, Leroy Jones, Donald Harrison, and Dwayne Dopsie.

Leães has shared the stage with important international blues artists, names like Carey Bell, Magic Slim, Earl Thomas, Hubert Summlin, Larry McCray, Wee Willie Walker, John Primer, among others. In the position of sideman (backup musician), Leães has toured the United States and Europe with singer Annika Chambers, winner of the 2019 Blues Music Awards as Best Soul/Blues Singer. He also played in festivals like Montreal Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Tremblacn Blues Festival and much more.

It would be no exaggeration to say that Luciano Leaes is one of the best and most active blues and R&B musicians around today. In the words of Bob Lohr, Chuck Berry's pianist for more than 10 years, "Luciano is one of the most amazing musicians of New Orleans style rhythm & blues and keyboards. He plays so well and with so much soul that if you, too, are a pianist, after hearing him you will be in the mood for two things: to quit or to practice. Definitely one of the best guys playing in the New Orleans classical style..."