blog post Luisa Maita’s Brazil

Here are three things you should know about Luisa Maita.

1. She has a gorgeous voice.

2. She’s steeped in Brazilian music traditions (her neighbourhood in Sao Paulo, Bexiga, is home to the city’s most traditional samba school).

3. She’s poised right behind Bebel Gilberto and Ceu as the next big thing in Brazilian music.

Given the power of three in her own life (Maita and her two sisters are named after Tom Jobim songs), we asked Maita to give us her answers to our questions in triplicate, as you’ll see. But first, listen to her song, just below.

PLAY"Lero Lero" by Luisa Maita.

3 Brazilian songs every human being should know

1. “Na Baixa do Sapateiro,” Elis Regina, Elis em Montreaux.
“I think is the best song interpretation that I’ve heard.”

2. “Matita Pere,” Tom Jobim.
“I love this song, very deep.”

3. “Samba de Amigo,” Amado Maita.
“Every musician here knows this song. I like the groove."

3 most musical spots in Brazil

1. Sesc Pompéia, São Paulo.
“Very nice architecture, great history, cool place.”

2. Auditorio do Ibirapuera, São Paulo.
“It’s always nice to play there, it’s a beautiful theatre.”

3. Circo Voador, Rio de Janeiro.
"This is the best place to play music in Rio.”

3 songs you and your sisters are named after

1. Antônio Carlos Jobim's "Ana Luiza."
2. Antônio Carlos Jobim's "Tereza My Love."
3. Antônio Carlos Jobim's "Ligia."

3 of your musical heroes

1. Cassia Eller.
“She is very expressive onstage.”

2. Baby Consuelo.
"She has a totally unique voice.”

3. Nana Vasconcelos.
“He is so creative and unique.”

3 things you wish for Brazil’s future

1. Prosperity.
2. Equality.
3. Respect between people.


PlayListen to Luisa Maita's "Alento."

This interview has been condensed and edited. Luisa Maita plays the Théâtre Rialto in Montreal on July 26, 2012.

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