Antonio Adolfo
Antonio Adolfo
Pianist, arranger, producer and educator Antonio Adolfo grew up in a musical family in Rio de Janeiro (his mother was a violinist in the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra), and began his studies at the age of seven. At seventeen he was already a professional musician. His teachers include Eumir Deodato and the great Nadia Boulanger in Paris. During the 60’s he led his own trio that participated in several Bossa Nova and Jazz shows in Brazil and toured with singers Leny Andrade, Carlos Lyra, Flora Purim, Wilson Simonal, Elis Regina and Milton Nascimento. Learn more at Antonio Adolfo’s Website.
Nestor Torres
Nestor Torres
Something of a musical prodigy, Nestor Torres came to the United States from his native Puerto Rico and studied at two renowned institutions: the New England Conservatory of Music and the Berklee College of Music. After making guest appearances with mambo master Tito Puente and releasing a series of albums on an independent label in the 1970s, Torres’s career as a leading Latin jazz flutist was full of promise. After moving to Miami in the 1980s, he became part of a flourishing music scene that included Gloria and Emilio Estefan and the legendary bassist Israel “Cachao” López. Learn more at Nestor Torres’ Website.
Yamandu Costa
Yamandu Costa
Yamandu Costa, 7-string guitar virtuoso, was born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He began his guitar studies with his father Algacir Costa, band leader of “Os Fronteiriços”, when he was 7 years old. Later, he perfected his technique with Lúcio Yanel, Argentine virtuoso who was then settled in Brazil.
When he was 17, he played for the first time in São Paulo at “Circuito Cultural Banco do Brasil” (BB Cultural Tour). From then on he was recognized as one of the most gifted guitar players of Brazil. The music documentary by Finnish film maker Mika Kaurismaki, called “Brasileirinho” on “choro music” also featured Yamandu Costa, which gave him additional international attention. Learn more at Yamandu Costa’s Website.
Duo Montes-Kircher
Duo Montes-Kircher
Duo Montes-Kircher consists of husband and wife pair, Alfonso Montes and Irina Kircher, who have been playing together as a professional guitar duo since 1984. Their long list of recordings often serve to commemorate their long history together, several of their CDs are actually subtitled with that year’s anniversary, three of which are their 10th, 20th, and 30th. Learn more in this Interview.
Pedro Castillo
Pedro Castillo
Pedro is a renowned music industry professional living in Weston, FL. Born in Cuba and raised in Venezuela, Pedro has been considered a musical icon in the Venezuelan music business for more than three decades. During his career, he’s had the opportunity to work with many of the best musicians and advertising agencies both domestically and internationally. If that wasn’t enough, he’s also been invited to perform on the same bill as artists like Roxette, Roger Hodgson, XTC, Saga, Fito Paez, Ricardo Arjona, Yes, Kansas and Roger Waters. Learn more at Pedro Castillo’s Kalos Page.
