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Téka, Guitar/Vocals - Brazilian Jazz, Bossa Nova, Samba

Téka is an artist with roots firmly planted in Brazilian music. Her music has become an interesting combination of the sensual rhythms of Brazil and jazz. Born into a very musical family, singing was part of growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Very naturally, Téka fell under the spell of the choro, samba and bossa nova, and from an early age, she began soaking up the sounds of American jazz. Her studies include a degree in Music Education and Arts from São Paulo State University, Jazz studies at Berklee College of Music and the Longy School of Music.

Not only has Téka developed exquisite control over her warm vocals but she is also a refined guitarist accompanying herself with energy and charm. Her credits span a wide variety of events, including renown jazz clubs across the US, concert halls and festivals; as well as our very own Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival for three consecutive years. A 1993 nominee for the Boston Music Award for outstanding Latin Act, she has also performed and recorded with world renowned Brazilian musicians Hermeto Pascoal and Gilberto Gil and many others. In a departure from Brazilian jazz, she appeared as soloist with the Santa Barbara Oratorio Chorale in their 1995 California premiere and 1997 performances of Canto General by Mikis Theodorakis and Pablo Neruda.

Téka uses the term New Bossa to describe her music. She incorporates a more contemporary taste to traditional bossa nova and in her own unique way utilizes a mixture of Brazilian influence and American jazz. Her repertoire traverses Brazilian pop, American jazz and original songs. She and her husband produced her debut CD entitled Garden Planet. Her latest cd release, Watercolors of Brazil can be found at www.newbossa.com, www.Amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com and at CONCORD RECORDS SUMMER CATALOG: www.concordrecords.com and iTunes. Brazil - Home of infectious rhythm, the Samba, an enchanted city; Rio; and a remarkable musician you won’t soon forget: Téka.