Fleurine

Origin

Utrecht, Netherlands

Also known as

Fleurine Verloop, Fleurine Mehldau

Years Active

1990–present

Genres

jazz, brazilian jazz, MPB

Instruments

vocals, guitar

Biography

Fleurine Verloop, known professionally as Fleurine, is a Dutch jazz singer who has developed a strong connection with Brazilian music. Born in Utrecht, Netherlands, she studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory and, after moving to New York, began gaining international recognition. Her career, which spans from the 1990s, is marked by a fusion of jazz with Brazilian influences, as evidenced in albums such as "San Francisco" (2008) and "Brazilian Dream" (2018), in which she explores compositions by renowned Brazilian artists like Chico Buarque and Tom Jobim, besides presenting her own original material.

Her ability to translate Chico Buarque's lyrics into English, with proper authorization, has highlighted her as a bridge between musical cultures. Fleurine has also ventured into writing lyrics for instrumental jazz compositions, including pieces by Thelonious Monk and Kenny Dorham, demonstrating her versatility as a lyricist and composer. Her collaboration with pianist Brad Mehldau, whom she married, has resulted in acclaimed albums such as "Close Enough for Love", solidifying her presence on the global jazz scene.

Besides her career as a performer and composer, Fleurine also works as a producer and dedicates part of her earnings to social projects in Brazil, such as the Estrela da Favela school in Rio de Janeiro, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the culture that inspires her so much. Her music is recognized for "a warm, engaging sound and a smooth rhythmic swing," as described by the Los Angeles Times, and for her "astute knack for vocal magic" by JazzTimes.

Discography

• Meant To Be! (1996)
• Close Enough For Love (2000)
• Fire (2002)
• San Francisco (2008)
• Brazilian Dream (2018)