The BraziLionaires
Chicago, IL | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
In 2013 I discussed the debut EP here of the American band The Brazilionaires, with their swinging, sunny, South American music, which appealed to me. The group consists of singer Dove Benoit and guitarist Rico Wayne Johnson, who are backed by several session musicians such as bassist Andy Crawford, trumpeter Todd Kelly, drummer Tom Marko, pianist Mike Nellas, flutist Carlos Bopp, etc. Now their first "full" album, which Johnson co-wrote with D. Pratt all songs except two. You belong here jazzy songs with bossa nova and samba and other Latin grooves. To open "Euforia" with a cheerful samba, while 'Venetian Blinds' me more reminiscent of tango. "Blue October" is a delightful, subdued bossa nova, samba followed by the return of "Tudo Bem". 'La Libertad' makes you swaying freely, and 'Linger' you muse about an absent loved one. 'She's Electric' is more pop, and the sunny "Lullaby to the Sun 'lulls the sun asleep. Then comes the inducing "Amor Misterioso" followed by the melancholy, but blissful bossa nova 'Follow You'. With 'Take Off' samba returns, but 'The Encounter' closes with a chance meeting between two former lovers. This CD offers once again infectious Brazilian and other Latin music, which enthusiasts cheerful, sunny music will appeal! - Keys and Chords Magazine
Rico Wayne Johnson and Dove Benoit are a pair of Peorians bringing the sounds of Brazil, and other Latin American rhythms, to central Illinois. The Brazilionaires will kick off the GLT Summer Concert presented by CEFCU this Saturday June 11th in downtown Bloomington.
A few months ago, the group stopped by the GLT studios with a bunch of great local jazz musicians to play some tunes from their new CD, and talked with Bruce Bergethon about spreading sambas and boleros across the Heartland.
Listen here... (Click link above to listen to interview). - GLT50 - Bruce Bergethon
Discography
The Brazilionaires - Algo Diferente:
Euforia
Venetian Blinds
Blue October
Tudo Bem
La Libertad
Linger
She's Electric (Cover)
Lullaby to the Sun
Amor Misterioso
Follow You
Take Off
The Encounter
Photos
Bio
The Brazilionaires are a unique fusion of pop and jazz with Latin rhythms, such as sambas and Bossa Novas. The band is fronted by vocalist Dove Benoit and guitarist Rico Wayne Johnson, and backed a stellar cast of seasoned players. Looking to create a new sound, Rico and Dove have fused musical genres of multiple cultures, including Brazil, Africa, Latin and North America, resulting in rhythms and melodies that delight listeners. The band has developed a strong following in the Midwest with their dynamic live shows and are gaining an even wider audience with the release of their EP last Fall. The Brazilionaires can be heard on streaming sites like Pandora and Spotify and are gaining traction in Europe where two of their singles made the charts in Spain.
Band Members
Links
