The remarkable Portuguese singer Maria João, the virtuoso Brazilian pianist André Mehmari, and the renowned Portuguese double bassist Carlos Bica come together in an unprecedented and exciting collaboration that emerged of an invitation from Theatro Circo in Braga (Portugal). In this unmissable show, the three important names in the contemporary jazz scene present original songs and do re-readings of some of the most iconic jazz standards.
The project’s tour will have two legs: the first one from July 1 to 15, 2026, and the second in November 2026.
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About Maria João
With her unique style, Portuguese singer Maria João is a leading figure in the difficult and competitive field of improvised music. Her iconic vocal ability and unique interpretive intensity have earned her not only international recognition, but also a place among the best singers of today.
Awarded the Order of Infante D. Henrique by President Jorge Sampaio, Maria João is also the only Portuguese artist to have been nominated for the European Jazz Prize. With a career of four decades, she has worked with names such as Bobo Stenson, Bobby McFerrin, Egberto Gismonti, Gilberto Gil, Joe Zawinul, among many others.
About André Mehmari
Two time nominated for the Latin Grammys, virtuoso pianist André Mehmari is considered one of the greatest exponents of contemporary Brazilian creative music. His vast output is absolutely unique, ranging from solo piano to jazz, opera, and orchestral music in more than 55 albums released since 1998, many of them produced at his Monteverdi Studio.
He has performed as a soloist in more than 40 countries and at major jazz festivals such as Chivas Jazz, Heineken Concerts, TIM Festival, Spoleto Festival USA (André Mehmari Trio), Juan Les Pins (France), Umbria Jazz (Italy), as well as numerous tours in the US, Europe, and Japan. He has performed as a pianist alongside names such as Antônio Meneses, Maria Bethânia, Milton Nascimento, among many other prominent names on the national and international scene, transcending genres and stylistic barriers with elegance and brilliance.
About Carlos Bica
Carlos Bica is one of the most internationally renowned names in Portuguese jazz, having become a reference in the European jazz scene. Among the various musical projects he leads, and in addition to his participation in other areas such as theater, cinema, and dance, his trio AZUL, with guitarist Frank Möbus and drummer Jim Black, has become the bassist and composer’s trademark.
Over the years, other projects have emerged and been recorded, such as: Diz, Single, Matéria-Prima, I Am The Escaped One, Playing with Beethoven, and the most recent 11:11 (Best Portuguese Jazz Album). He has improvised a lot of music, played for years with singer Maria João, and worked and recorded in the field of Portuguese popular music with names such as Carlos do Carmo, José Mário Branco, Camané, and Janita Salomé. Carlos Bica has also collaborated with Ray Anderson, Kenny Wheeler, Aki Takase, Kurt Rosenwinkel, John Zorn, Lee Konitz, among others.