Guilherme Maia

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1970

Genres

mpb, samba, jazz

Instruments

bass guitar, acoustic bass

Biography

Guilherme Maia is a distinguished Brazilian musician, composer, arranger, and producer, born on April 6, 1954, in Rio de Janeiro. His musical journey began in Salvador during the 1970s while he was pursuing composition studies at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA). During this formative period, he was an active member of the Banda do Companheiro Mágico, contributing as both a bassist and composer alongside Toni Costa and Ary Dias. His early career also saw him accompanying local artists and notable figures like Luis Melodia and Jorge Mautner, while also composing scores for theater and dance productions.

In 1980, Maia relocated to Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant phase in his career as he joined the band of the renowned composer and singer Moraes Moreira. For a decade, he served as Moreira's bassist, arranger, and musical director, a collaboration that undoubtedly enriched his artistic palette. During his time in Rio, he also lent his talents to live performances and recordings for a diverse range of artists, including Chico Buarque, Ednardo, Elba Ramalho, and Luis Melodia. His collaborations extended internationally, sharing stages and studios with esteemed musicians such as Léo Gandelman, Victor Biglione, Rafael Rabelo, Marcio Montarroyos, and Raul Mascarenhas.

Maia's prolific career includes his tenure as an exclusive composer for Sony Music Publishing, with his songs being recorded by prominent artists like Zizi Possi, Ney Matogrosso, Moraes Moreira, Tânia Alves, Xuxa, and Elba Ramalho. He also co-wrote the soundtrack for the 1988 Rede Manchete novela "Carmen" with Fernando Moura. Beyond his work as a performer and composer, Guilherme Maia has made significant contributions to music education, graduating in Musical Education from UNI-Rio in 1998 and pursuing a Master's in Musicology. His expertise also extends to music transcription and arrangement, having worked on significant songbook projects and for major record labels, solidifying his multifaceted impact on Brazilian music.