Jorge Mello
- Origin
- Teresina, PI
- Years active
- 1971–2024
- Genres
- MPB, samba, folk, rock
- Instruments
- voice, guitar, violão
Biography
Jorge Mello is a multifaceted Brazilian artist, recognized as a singer, composer, poet, writer, repentista (improvised folk singer), multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and musicologist. He began his artistic journey at a young age, participating in festivals in Teresina, Piauí, and later achieving success in Fortaleza, Ceará, where he directed musical programs for TV Ceará that helped launch the "Ceará musical movement." This movement brought forth notable artists such as Belchior, Fagner, Ednardo, and Amelinha. Mello's career gained national recognition when he moved to Rio de Janeiro in 1971. He won first place in Communication and the Best Performer award at the 1972 University Festival in Rio de Janeiro. His debut LP, "Besta Fera," was released in 1976, followed by numerous other albums throughout his career, including "Um Trovador Eletrônico" (1987) and "Coração Rochedo" (1979). Mello has also delved into film and advertising soundtracks and has been recognized for his contributions to Brazilian music, including his collaboration with Belchior on songs like "Canção de Gesta de um Trovador Eletrônico."
Beyond his musical endeavors, Mello holds a degree in Composition and Conducting and has lectured at several universities. He also pursued a degree in Physics from UFRJ and conducted extensive research on Brazilian guitar music and the work of composer Newton Mendonça. His research on the evolution of the Brazilian guitar led to the publication of the book "Caminhos Cruzados" with Marcelo Câmara. Mello's artistic versatility extends to being an instrumentalist, particularly on the guitar, and he has organized and directed various musical projects and events, collaborating with renowned artists such as Guinga, Carlos Malta, and Nico Assumpção.