Treat yourself to some authentic sounding Brazilian Bossa Nova from a group of carefully selected Brazilian artists and true enthusiasts, passionate about Brazilian music!
Cool and sophisticated, rich harmonic sounds and simple melodies will float on the rhythm of the samba when Born To Bossa bring you the sounds of Brazil! Our eclectic shows offer Brazilian classics, interlaced with silky smooth soulful originals and covers.
Available in the following formats:
Soloist: Typically guitar/vocalist
Duo, Trio, Quartet: typically adding Drums/percussion, Trumpet, another vocalist, or any other combination
Full Band: As many musicians as your budget allows.
Many of our instrumentalists are also Samba percussionists with ample performance experience in this field, so a section of our show showcases the infectious, uplifting Rhythms of Rio 'Carnaval'.
Dancers are also available for the full Brazilian experience, contact us for a quote.
Get in touch now , via our record label Soul Tonic, to guarantee a memorable show for your event!
Cool and sophisticated, rich harmonic sounds and simple melodies will float on the rhythm of the samba when Born To Bossa bring you the sounds of Brazil! Our eclectic shows offer Brazilian classics, interlaced with silky smooth soulful originals and covers.
Available in the following formats:
Soloist: Typically guitar/vocalist
Duo, Trio, Quartet: typically adding Drums/percussion, Trumpet, another vocalist, or any other combination
Full Band: As many musicians as your budget allows.
Many of our instrumentalists are also Samba percussionists with ample performance experience in this field, so a section of our show showcases the infectious, uplifting Rhythms of Rio 'Carnaval'.
Dancers are also available for the full Brazilian experience, contact us for a quote.
Get in touch now , via our record label Soul Tonic, to guarantee a memorable show for your event!
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CURRENT Line up
DAVE HOLMES - VOCALS, GUITAR, percussion, MUSICAL DIRECTION
British Guitarist and vocalist Dave Holmes is a versatile musician who has performed all around Europe and Brazil with his eclectic set of authentic sounding Bossa Nova, English/American covers and originals, effortlessly traversing styles with Brazilian nuances and feel. He is also a Percussionist with plenty of experience performing within the UK Samba scene at fetes, festivals and corporate events and is the founder of Soul Tonic and the director of international electronic music project Cosmic Core. He releases his original tracks on all the usual digital platforms.
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Dave Holmes performing Bossa Nova - Poço das Artes, Recife, Brazil, 2018.
Fabricio Azevedo, Ronaldo Firmino and Dave Holmes, performing in Portugal with Andrea Amorim, on her 2016 European Tour.
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Some of Dave's releases (original compositions and productions. A Brazilian style album coming in 2024!)
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MIKE ROTHMAN - Drums, percussion & Flute
Michael Rothman hails from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil and has been living in London for a decade working as a professional musician whilst studying a Masters in Music Production.
He's been playing drums for over two decades, touring with countless bands and artists over the years, including shows with Bloco do Sargento Pimenta, one of Rios best Samba groups, regularly playing shows for crowds of more than 150,000 people in Brazil.
He's played in several different scenarios like brass bands, dance classes, musical theatre, jazz trios, Brazilian percussion groups, parades and has even played for Prince Harry! Check out his Drum Showreel.
He's been playing drums for over two decades, touring with countless bands and artists over the years, including shows with Bloco do Sargento Pimenta, one of Rios best Samba groups, regularly playing shows for crowds of more than 150,000 people in Brazil.
He's played in several different scenarios like brass bands, dance classes, musical theatre, jazz trios, Brazilian percussion groups, parades and has even played for Prince Harry! Check out his Drum Showreel.
Cristiano rocha - TRUMPET & FLUGELHORN
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Cristiano Rocha is a Brazilian Trumpet and Flugelhorn player from Brasilia, making waves on the London music circuit. Whether it is his skilful accompaniment or freestyle soloing, he's a fantastic addition to any line up.
He has performed at numerous jams, gigs and corporate events around the UK and Brazil, including a regular slot with London group Samba do Chapéu and with Brazilian singer songwriter Caco Barros, along with other London based artists, in iconic venues such as Made in Brasil, in Camden, London's alternative culture epicentre. |
Marcos Rios Santos (Feijão)
Brazilian artist Marcos 'Feijão', is a master drummer. The son of Miltinho - a member of MPB-4, one of Brazil's most well known groups and performs on their tours and latest albums, recently recording with a who's who of Brazilian Music Royalty; Chico Buarque, Ivan Lins, Zeca Pagodinho, Dori Caymmi and others - he has himself been a major player of some of Brazil's best bands over the years, from Monobloco, to PLAYBob, to Du Rio, to GoBlack with the successful Brazilian Voice contestant Rik Oliveira.
As a session drummer he has played for many other well known artists in Brazil from Lisa Ono to Paula Morelembaum and is present on many of the best recordings you can find in Brazil, such as 'Antonio Carlos Jobim Songbook, Vol. 3' and 'MPB: 40 Anos ao Vivo'. Based in Rio, Feijão regularly performs for us whenever he is over in the UK. Don't miss the chance to see this talented drummer behind the kit when he's in town! |
Performing with Monobloco, Rock in Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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MADELEINE MACHADO - VOCALS
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Let us introduce you to Madeleine Machado, a versatile and talented singer whose musical journey spans continents and genres.
Madeleine’s love for bossa nova blossomed after relocating to the UK, enchanting audiences across London’s music scene. Madeleine’s voice resonates with history and emotion as she explores intricate harmonies in choral groups and as a prominent member the Brazilian Vocal group Nossa Voz. Her ability to seamlessly switch between languages--Portuguese, English, and French—infuses authenticity into her performances. Madeleine Machado’s artistry transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on listeners worldwide. |
Alice MOtta - VOCALS
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Alice Motta is a brazilian singer, poet and actor based in London. In the begining of her career, she worked in West End musical theatre productions. Then she moved to London to take a masters in Physical Theatre. Alice's voice range is wide and she likes being playful with it. Her main singing styles are: bossa nova, samba, jazz, but she also enjoys experimental jamming.
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AVAILABLE GUEST MUSICiANS for 2024
Aldecy Souza
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Specialising in piano and keyboards, and a master guitarist, Aldecy Souza is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and music producer from Garanhuns, in the Northeast of Brazil.
His town, the Birthplace of Dominguinhos, one Brazil's greatest musicians and composers, has a vibrant festival culture, with around five major festivals a year, broadcast to millions nationally, and there are always events happening somewhere in the town, shows that would count as small summer festivals if they were held in Europe. As you can imagine, this active hub has nurtured a crop of exceptional super musicians, of which Aldecy is one. |
Fabricio Azevedo
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Fabricio Azevedo is a Brazilian instrumentalist, composer and workshop leader based in London and surrounding areas
He has a Bachelor Degree of Music and is an experienced music teacher and versatile musician. Throughout his career and studies, Fabricio has worked with renowned musicians and conductors. He specialises in drums and percussion, including Xlyophone, playing various types of music including Classical, Latin, Jazz and Samba. He works with different artists, duos, trios and also performs for arts & events companies. He regularly teaches, privately and in schools, and performs in orchestral and chamber music groups, musicals and plays. Having played in the UK since 2011, he's also performed in Brazil, Africa, Middle East and throughout Europe. |
JP Courtney
JP Courtney is a world class Irish percussionist.
A master of Latin percussion, he specialises in Brazilian Samba and is a driving force in the UK and European scene. Over the last couple of decades he has performed and directed at countless major festivals and events and has taught thousands of students to play the authentic Brazilian way. |
Performing with and Directing Carnaval Transatlântico live at Circo Voador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Performing with and Directing Toque Tambor with guest vocalist Fabio Allman at Rhythms of The World Festival, Hitchin, UK, 2015
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CYRO ZUZI
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Cyro Zuzi is a Brazilian born percussionist and drummer, he started his career more than 20 years ago, studying with Brazilian tutors Douglas Las Casas and Ramon Montagner.
In his early days as a drummer he played in many rock bands around Sao Paulo, and in the year 2000 spent a month studying drums in Havana (Cuba), with the collaborator of Modern Drummer Magazine; Chuck Silverman among other Cuban teachers. Still in 2000, he achieved first place in the Concurso de Bateristas do Vale do Paraiba, a renowned drum contest that gathers drummers from all over São Paulo state. In 2007 Cyro moved to London for professional gigs and recording sessions with local artists. He also made TV appearances, performing on 8 out of 10 Cats, Backchat and Loose Women.is skillset when playing. |
He has recorded a few albums in UK, including the Hard Rock band Nitroville (Don't stop what is coming), and Jazz artists Tamas Teszary (Bopcore) and Guido Spannocchi (Terms and Conditions). He has also collaborated in many tracks for independent artists and in 2018 recorded an instructional DVD called 'Workshop de Jazz International´ in Brazil with his own trio.
Cyro has been touring, doing concerts and workshops in many cities around UK, and played in some of the top music festivals, such as Cheltenham Jazz Fest, Secret Garden Party, Boom Town and Glastonbury. Performances and tours abroad include countries in South America, Europe, Africa and Middle East. He also played in most of London's prestigious music places: Ronnie Scotts, Jazz Café, Koko and The Vortex.
A keen educator, Cyro has been working as a private teacher for many years and from 2018 he was the director of Bish Bash Bosh, a company which provided samba workshops for schools, businesses and communities all over the UK. Cyro has also been a dep at Young Music Makers since 2017, being made a permanent member of the team from September 2020. He is also involved with the project Girl Plays Jazz, providing jazz workshops for young females instrumentalists.
As a researcher Cyro has been developing a deep study in Brazilian drums that involves the history of rhythms from São Paulo and its roots in Africa and incorporates this knowledge into
Cyro has been touring, doing concerts and workshops in many cities around UK, and played in some of the top music festivals, such as Cheltenham Jazz Fest, Secret Garden Party, Boom Town and Glastonbury. Performances and tours abroad include countries in South America, Europe, Africa and Middle East. He also played in most of London's prestigious music places: Ronnie Scotts, Jazz Café, Koko and The Vortex.
A keen educator, Cyro has been working as a private teacher for many years and from 2018 he was the director of Bish Bash Bosh, a company which provided samba workshops for schools, businesses and communities all over the UK. Cyro has also been a dep at Young Music Makers since 2017, being made a permanent member of the team from September 2020. He is also involved with the project Girl Plays Jazz, providing jazz workshops for young females instrumentalists.
As a researcher Cyro has been developing a deep study in Brazilian drums that involves the history of rhythms from São Paulo and its roots in Africa and incorporates this knowledge into
MORE ON the born to bossa project
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Our History
Born To Bossa began as two Demo Albums released in 2014, by UK artist Dave Holmes, circulated to industry professionals and music friends, designed to promote his Brazilian Bossa Nova repertoire for solo performances.
The albums were well received with reviews from Cornwall's The Source FM to Holland's Brazilian Blend on ORTS radio, Rescate Rock and Pop radio in Peru, to BnovaMusic in Jamaica, to online reviews in Japan and the U.S.
As the word spread, it led to the formation of Soul Tonic as a Arts, Culture and Entertainment company, with scores of successful full scale Samba percussion shows with Samba Dancers, for our client JPPercussion during the 2016 Olympics season, alongside quite a few of the musicians listed above.
This was followed by Music tours and shows, in the UK, Mainland Europe and Brazil, with Brazilian Artist Andrea Amorim, now a Soul Tonic artist herself, who has appeared on the very best TV Shows and Festivals in Brazil and Japan and recorded the album Bossa de Alma Nova, with one of the founders of Bossa Nova, Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award Winner Roberto Menescal, Dave himself having recorded and performed and collaborated with both artists, producing his own Brazilian flavoured originals.
Born To Bossa has now progressed to the full band concept we have today, utilising the skills of a pool of talented instrumentalists, from Rio to UK. For more info, please read their Bios below and we look forward to bringing you a great show!
Born To Bossa began as two Demo Albums released in 2014, by UK artist Dave Holmes, circulated to industry professionals and music friends, designed to promote his Brazilian Bossa Nova repertoire for solo performances.
The albums were well received with reviews from Cornwall's The Source FM to Holland's Brazilian Blend on ORTS radio, Rescate Rock and Pop radio in Peru, to BnovaMusic in Jamaica, to online reviews in Japan and the U.S.
As the word spread, it led to the formation of Soul Tonic as a Arts, Culture and Entertainment company, with scores of successful full scale Samba percussion shows with Samba Dancers, for our client JPPercussion during the 2016 Olympics season, alongside quite a few of the musicians listed above.
This was followed by Music tours and shows, in the UK, Mainland Europe and Brazil, with Brazilian Artist Andrea Amorim, now a Soul Tonic artist herself, who has appeared on the very best TV Shows and Festivals in Brazil and Japan and recorded the album Bossa de Alma Nova, with one of the founders of Bossa Nova, Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award Winner Roberto Menescal, Dave himself having recorded and performed and collaborated with both artists, producing his own Brazilian flavoured originals.
Born To Bossa has now progressed to the full band concept we have today, utilising the skills of a pool of talented instrumentalists, from Rio to UK. For more info, please read their Bios below and we look forward to bringing you a great show!