Luiz Paulo Simas

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Luiz Simas

Years active

1960s

Genres

mpb, jazz, progressive rock, bossa nova, psychedelic rock, samba

Instruments

piano, keyboards, synthesizer

Biography

Luiz Paulo Simas, known artistically as Luiz Simas, is a renowned Brazilian composer, pianist, and singer, born in Rio de Janeiro on February 6, 1948. His musical career began in the late 1960s as a member of the bossa nova group Agora 4. Later, in the 1970s, he stood out as a member of progressive and psychedelic rock bands such as Módulo 1000 and Vímana. Simas is a pioneer in the use of synthesizers in Rio de Janeiro and is the creator of Rede Globo's iconic "plim plim" sound mark, in addition to having composed soundtracks for various radio and television productions.

Throughout his career, Luiz Simas has collaborated with a vast array of renowned Brazilian artists, including Raul Seixas, Roberto Carlos, Elza Soares, Marília Pêra, Lobão, Ritchie, Oswaldo Montenegro, and Amelinha. His work spans various styles of Brazilian popular music, and his compositions have been recorded both in Brazil and abroad. In 1989, he moved to New York, where he continued his career as a solo pianist and leader of his own group, performing on major international stages.

As a composer, Luiz Simas is the author of songs in Portuguese and English, many of them in partnership with lyricists such as Ellen Schwartz. His solo albums, such as "New Chorinhos From Brazil" and "Cafuné," have received acclaim from specialized critics. In addition to his musical career, Simas has also worked as an actor in theatrical productions in Brazil and the United States. His influence and versatility cement him as an important figure in Brazilian popular music.