Ricardo Silveira

"Ricardo Silveira possesses the compositional eloquence of Metheny, the bracing attack of Benson, the confident, sometimes brash dextery of Hendrix and Clapton, and the potent, commanding presence of Santana. Yet, his sound is definitely original." -- JAZZ TIMES

"Silveira's trademark sound has become a staple of contemporary jazz in just a few short years." -- JAZZIZ

Ricardo Silveira has in a few short years earned a reputation as one of Brazil's most admired and respected international musicians.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Ricardo grew up listening to the music of his native country: bossa nova, samba and, of course, the steamy rhythms of carnaval. His early musical favorites were Brazilian guitarists Baden Powell and Joao Gilberto. He was intrigued by Jimi Hendrix and later became influenced by Wes Montgomery and George Benson.

Following high school, Ricardo left his native Brazil and spent two years in the Berklee College of Music. After several years in New York playing with Herbie Mann, Ricardo returned to Brazil to further explore the music of his home and became one of Rio's most requested studio musicians. He recorded hundreds of projects with Brazil's most respected artists and toured with Elis Regina, Hermeto Pascoal, Gilberto Gil and Milton Nascimento. He co-wrote and arranged the Brazilian standard, "Portal da Cor", with Milton.

Between stints with Gil and Milton, Ricardo recorded his first solo album, Good to Play. The record is still considered a landmark in the history of Brazilian instrumental music. His international recording career was launched in the U.S. as the first artist signed to Polygram's new Verve Forecast label.