BIO | LUCIANO LEAES MUSIC

PIANIST IS THE FIRST BRAZILIAN TO PERFORM AT NOLA JAZZ MUSEUM

LUCIANO LEÃES PERFORMS AT
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ MUSEUM
AND PREPARES A NEW ALBUM WITH LOCAL MUSIC ICONS.

In nearly 30 years of career, pianist Luciano Leães has built an impressive artistic journey. The Brazilian musician and composer has shared the stage with names like Carey Bell, Hubert Sumlin, Tony Coleman, James "Boogaloo" Bolden, and Annika Chambers. He has performed at renowned festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival (Canada), New Orleans Jazz Fest (New Orleans), and Lucerne Blues Fest (Switzerland). He was also invited to open for Elton John at Estádio do São José in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 2013, in a solo performance.

Alongside his original work, Leães has maintained an international career with a steady presence in the southern United States, where he has performed regularly for nearly a decade. His music has been played on stations like New Orleans' WWOZ, with albums and singles released at iconic venues such as the renowned Maple Leaf.

Backstage do Tipitina´s - New Orleans

Luciano Leães's compositions have been arranged by renowned orchestras such as OSPA, the TSP Orchestra, and the Unisinos Orchestra. He has also been honored with the prestigious Açorianos Award, a significant accolade in Southern Brazil, recognizing his talents as both an instrumentalist and a music producer. His musical DNA reflects a deep reverence for the legendary pianists of New Orleans, yet it is infused with a distinctive artistic identity that incorporates South American hues and rhythms into his piano performances. Ron Levy, the award-winning pianist and music producer who played alongside B.B. King and Albert King, once said: "What is the perfect blend of New Orleans R&B and Brazilian soul? Luciano Leães & The Big Chiefs!"

I absolutely love playing with this guy! Luciano Leães is the real deal. His swinging, funky groove is too deep to measure. I’ve played with some of the best ( Prof. Longhair, James C. Booker ) and I can tell you he brings all of the passion and chops to his performances that they did."

REGGIE SCANLAN - baixista dos Radiators, James Booker e Professor Longhair

A GLOBAL ARTIST

During his tours across the United States, Luciano Leães has shared the stage with musicians such as Lionel Batiste Jr., John Fohl, Jon Cleary, Kirk Joseph, Eddie Christmas, Reggie Scanlan, Tom Worrell, Terence Higgins, and others.

In the final months of 2024, Leães is recording his new album at Rhythm Shack Studios, led by Grammy-winning producer Jake Eckert. The album features collaborations with local legends, including Terence Higgins (who has worked with Earl King, Marva Wright, Snooks Eaglin, Mavis Staples, Allen Toussaint, and more) on drums; Cornell Williams Jon Cleary) on bass, and John Fohl (Dr. John) on guitar, among others yet to be announced.

Additionally, he plans to release a book recounting his adventures and experiences in the world of music.

Based in Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil), Leães has already released two albums — "Power of Love" (2015), supported by the Big Chiefs, and "Live at Pianístico", a live recording in Joinville accompanied by a CD/booklet. He has also released singles such as "Fessta Brasilis" and "Song for JB", a collaboration with the Unisinos Anchieta Orchestra.

The musician recently returned from another mini-tour through Europe and New Orleans, where his standout performance at the Jazz Museum marked him as the first Brazilian pianist to achieve this milestone.

JAZZ MUSEUM NEW ORLEANS

In Luciano Leães' career, there is a deep cultural connection with New Orleans, one of the converging points of his journey. This link was re-established during a recent trip to Europe last September. Invited to perform at the bar of the Le 360 Cultural Space in Paris, where American singer and trumpeter James Andrews was set to perform at the venue’s theater, something unexpected happened. While the Brazilian artist was on stage, Andrews unexpectedly appeared at the bar and, joined by the pianist, sang classics like "Iko Iko" and "Big Chief."

The curators of the event in France, organized by the Jazz Museum, witnessed their interaction and invited Leães to perform at the museum’s headquarters in New Orleans the following December.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum published on its website:
"Luciano Leães is the leading and most active musician associated with R&B and New Orleans Piano in Brazil, and possibly throughout Latin America."

In his December 14, 2023, performance at the Jazz Museum, Leães' setlist included original tracks such as "Odila y Maneco," "Song for JB," "Fessta Brasilis," "Power of Love," "Sinner Not the Saint," and the unreleased "Inner Song." He also played classics like "People Say" and the spiritual "Go Down Moses." The show, which was the first by a Brazilian pianist at the Jazz Museum and was sold out, was part of the institute’s instrumentalists' program.

Breaking the formality of the event, he interacted with the audience, spoke about his career, and shared the stories behind his songs. In a candid conversation with the crowd, he highlighted the intimate connection between the traditions of New Orleans and Brazilian and Latin American music. Exploring the roots of jazz, the pianist also emphasized the influence of the habanera on the genre, noting that it gave rise to maxixe, tango, vanera, and even jazz itself, reinforcing the importance of the African roots in the diffusion of rhythms throughout the Americas.

“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 for over a decade

LUCIANO LEÃES BREAKS BARRIERS AND DEVELOPS HIS MUSIC
BEYOND BOUNDARIES

For those who don't know Luciano Leães, it might seem surprising that the British magazine Blues Matters, Europe’s leading blues publication, dubbed the Brazilian pianist “Brazilian Professor,” referencing one of New Orleans' legends, Professor Longhair. Is this an exaggeration? As published on the New Orleans Jazz Museum's website, which named him the primary representative of New Orleans piano in Brazil (and possibly in Latin America), Leães was the first Brazilian musician to perform at the institution, which eliminates any doubts about his talent.

It all started at a very young age. By 20, he was already sharing the stage with names like Carey Bell and Hubert Sumlin during tours across Brazil. Taking a giant leap forward, exactly 10 years ago, in 2014, Leães set foot in New Orleans for the first time. Since then, he has made pilgrimages to the city, performing in bars, venues like Tipitina's and Maple Leaf, and at festivals such as Jazz Fest and Crawfish Fest. It comes as no surprise that the most recent annual celebrations of Professor Longhair’s and James Booker’s birthdays – a tradition in New Orleans – featured his presence on stage.

Some might wonder: how did a Brazilian musician become recognized as part of this elite group? Reggie Scanlan, bassist for the Radiators, might provide a clue:

"I simply love playing with this guy! Luciano Leães is the real deal. His groove is too funky and deep to be measured. I've played with some of the best (Professor Longhair, James C. Booker), and I can say that the Brazilian musician brings to his performances all the passion and technique they had."

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Poster Tipitina´s

In 2014, Luciano Leães decided to make a pilgrimage to the Mecca of his musical universe: New Orleans. He was in search of the essence of the figures who had inspired him, wanting to eat, drink, and walk the same streets where his idols once wore down the soles of their shoes. For him, it seemed essential to breathe the same air, appreciate the same scenery, wander through the bars and buildings that still stood the test of time, absorbing the last breath of a magical era.

It was on this trip that he met Pat Byrd, daughter of Professor Longhair. Immediately, Pat and Luciano connected, united by their deep passion for the musical culture of New Orleans. Pat saw in Luciano the artistic traits of her father and recognized the respect and reverence the Brazilian musician held for Longhair’s legacy.

"When I think of Luciano Leães, he’s not an unfamiliar presence. Many have seen him perform here [in New Orleans]. When he draws from my father’s legacy, he is one of the best pianists to take on that role."

Poster Maple Leaf

Entrevista na WWOZ

New Orleans Jazz Fest

“Luciano Leaes really knocked out the musically- astute full house at this year’s Booker Birthday Bash with his trademark blend of passion, energy, virtuosity, charm and humor. His ability to honor Booker’s brilliance while putting his own stamp on the music was impressive, and his easy manner with the audience very appealing.”

FRED KASTEN - Award-Winning Radio Producer,hoster and jazz critic

NEW ALBUM: BRIDGES
BETWWEEN AMERICAS

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Zé Carlos de andrade

Zé Carlos de andrade

Lançamento do disco "Live at Pianístico" no Teatro do CHC - Porto Alegre

Since the pandemic, Leães had been reflecting on recording a new album. Some of his songs featured lyrics written in collaboration with Tom Worrell.
"The Brazilian Professor has taken firm steps towards the funky church of New Orleans! His upcoming album connects us to the heritage of the grooves of the Meters, Dr. John, and Allen Toussaint," says Worrell.

In 2023, Leães strengthened his ties with guitarist and producer Jake Eckert, owner of Rhythm Shack Studio, who made himself available when Leães was ready to record. Jake had high praise for the Brazilian musician:
"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."

Leães produced a track by Lionel Batiste Jr. in the studio, and his connection with Jake was instant. In addition to admiring Jake's work, Leães had always paid attention to the talent of Jake’s son, the prodigy pianist River Eckert, with whom he shared the piano for several four-hand performances. Encouraged by Tom and Jake, Leães decided to record his new album right there, continuing a journey that had begun in 2015. The idea was to bring his compositions and enter the studio with local musicians, letting the ideas flow naturally, guided by the serendipity of New Orleans.

Matéria do "Brazilian Professor" na Blues Matters Magazine (UK)

In a two-page interview with Blues Matters! Magazine from the UK, Luciano Leães was dubbed "The Brazilian Professor" in reference to the New Orleans piano legend Professor Longhair.

"Extraordinary artists do notappear 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,

Muddy Waters and Michael Jackson)

The partners in this journey couldn’t have been better: drummer Terrence Higgins, who had just returned from a tour with Mavis Staples, and bassist Cornell Williams, who arrived on the first morning the musicians gathered. Coincidentally, Cornell had just completed a tour with Jon Cleary, one of Leães’ biggest influences."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," said Terrence Higgins. Cornell Williams also had high praise for the musician:"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."In this way, Leães felt at home at Rhythm Shack Studio, sensing an open path for his creativity, with many improvisations flowing naturally. Thanks to this collaboration, each of the musicians added an extra layer of life to the songs, making the process light and fun.The group of musicians was further strengthened by the presence of John Fohl, guitarist and composer who worked with Dr. John, as well as Lionel Batiste Jr., Tom Worrell, Revert Andrews, and River Eckert. After a show at the Maple Leaf, Leães met talented singer-songwriter Sean Carey, who joined the project, contributing both compositions and vocals. More names are expected to join the project until December.With the album set for release in early 2025, Leães is already organizing shows in Brazil, the U.S., and Europe. Endorsed by this narrative full of trusted characters, the album is poised to become a landmark in his career, paving a bridge that connects the protagonist’s Latin American roots with the music of New Orleans.