Alceu Valença

Origin

São Bento do Una, PE

Also known as

Alceu Tunes

Years Active

1968–present

Genres

MPB, Brazilian rock, frevo, worldbeat, baião, samba, Latin

Instruments

voice, guitar

Biography

Alceu Valença, born July 1, 1946, is a highly influential Brazilian singer, musician, composer, actor, and poet from Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. He is celebrated for his unique ability to blend traditional Northeastern Brazilian music with contemporary electronic sounds and pop influences, creating a distinctive musical style that resonates both domestically and internationally. Valença's music is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of his home state, incorporating elements of maracatu, coco, baião, xote, frevo, and repentes. He began his musical journey in 1968 with the group Underground Tamarineira Village, later known as Ave Sangria. He also collaborated with prominent artists such as Zé Ramalho and Elba Ramalho in his early career. In 1972, he formed a notable duo with Geraldo Azevedo, releasing their first album together, "Alceu Valença & Geraldo Azevedo" (also known as "Quadrafônico"). Valença has released over 35 albums throughout his career, selling more than 5 million records. He is recognized as a master composer, with his songs often becoming anthems of Brazilian music. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including a Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Portuguese Language Roots Album. Valença's career has seen him tour globally, performing in major festivals like Rock in Rio II, where he was awarded best performance. His music has also been featured in soap operas, significantly broadening his audience in Brazil.

Discography

• Alceu Valença & Geraldo Azevedo (1972)
• Molhado de Suor (1974)
• Vivo! (1976)
• Espelho Cristalino (1977)
• Saudade de Pernambuco (1979)
• Coração Bobo (1980)
• Cinco Sentidos (1981)
• Cavalo de Pau (1982)
• Anjo Avesso (1983)
• Anunciacao (1983)
• Mágico (1984)
• Ao Vivo (1985)
• Estação da Luz (1985)
• Rubi (1986)
• Leque Moleque (1987)
• Oropa, França e Bahia (1989)
• Andar Andar (1990)
• Andar Andar • Entrevista com Alceu Valença (1990)
• 7 Desejos (1992)
• Sete Desejos (1992)
• Maracatus, Batuques e Ladeiras (1994)
• Alceu Valença - Elba Ramalho - Geraldo Azevedo - Zé Ramalho – O Grande Encontro (1996)
• Sol e Chuva (1997)
• Sino de Ouro (1997)
• Forró de Todos os Tempos (1998)
• Todos os Cantos (1999)
• Forró Lunar (2001)
• RCA 100 Anos de Música (2001)
• O Nordeste Elétrico de Alceu Valença (2001)
• De Janeiro a Janeiro (2002)
• Ao Vivo em Todos os Sentidos (2003)
• Arquivo Essencial (2003)
• Na Embolada do Tempo (2005)
• Marco Zero Ao Vivo (2006)
• A Arte de Alceu Valença (2006)
• Ciranda Mourisca (2009)
• Amigo da Arte (2014)
• Alceu • Elba • Geraldo – O Grande Encontro 20 Anos (2016)
• Vivo! Revivo! (2016)
• Alceu Valença e Orquestra Ouro Preto – Valencianas (2016)
• A Luneta do Tempo, Trilha Sonora Original de Alceu Valença (2016)
• Clássicos Anos 70 (2016)
• Sem Pensar no Amanhã (2021)
• Saudade (2021)
• Senhora Estrada (2022)
• Alceu Valença e Paulo Rafael (2022)
• Valencianas II: Ao Vivo em Portugal (2022)
• Meu Querido São João (Ao Vivo na Fundição Progresso) (2023)
• Bicho Maluco Beleza - É Carnaval (2024)