Fernando Merlino

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Fernando Appolonio Merlino

Years Active

1980–2021

Genres

MPB, instrumental music, jazz, Brazilian music

Instruments

piano, keyboards

Biography

Fernando Merlino was a talented Brazilian pianist, keyboardist, arranger, and music producer, born in Rio de Janeiro on April 11, 1960. He began his piano studies at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music, further improving with renowned teachers such as Vilma Graça, Sônia Maria Vieira, Luiz Eça, and Maria Teresa Madeira. His artistic career began playing at dances and nightclubs, joining Maestro Cipó's Orchestra and Chiquinho do Acordeon's group. In 1980, he took an important step by being hired as an instrumentalist by TV Globo, where he recorded several soundtracks and jingles for the network's soap operas and programs.

Two years later, Merlino joined singer Emílio Santiago's band, accompanying him on tours throughout Brazil and abroad. In 1992, he founded his own group, Kabbalah, alongside Zé Carlos Santos and Heber Calura (Jacaré). With Kabbalah, he recorded a CD that was nominated for the Sharp Award for Best Instrumental Music Album, in addition to four records aimed at the Japanese market. The following year, he formed the "Juntos" show with iconic singer Leny Andrade. His versatility led him to participate in works with artists from various genres, including Nilson Chaves, Vital Lima, Eudes Fraga, and Amadeu Cavalcanti, as well as collaborating with international musicians such as Japanese singer Lisa Ono and the group The Square.

In 1997, Fernando Merlino converted to Christianity and began dedicating himself to work with the evangelical group Tabernáculo de Davi and the group Complexo J., performing in churches and evangelistic crusades. His solo discography includes albums such as "A chuva, a tarde e você" (released in 2007) and "Serestas brasileiras" (2011), the latter in partnership with a string quartet. Fernando Merlino passed away on December 20, 2021, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, the victim of a massive heart attack, leaving a significant legacy in Brazilian music.

Discography

• A Chuva, a Tarde e Você (2009)
• Serestas Brasileiras (2010)
• Letra e Música (2014)