Max Viana

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1990s

Genres

mpb, jazz, soul music, black music, flamenco

Instruments

vocals, guitar

Biography

Max Frederico Viana is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, and guitarist born in Rio de Janeiro on September 9, 1973. He is the son of the renowned singer and composer Djavan, and his musical style draws from a rich blend of jazz, soul music, black music, MPB, and flamenco. Before fully committing to his musical path, Max studied Economics in college before deciding to move to Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology, where he studied under the accomplished guitarist Scott Henderson.

Upon returning to Brazil, he collaborated with various artists, performing alongside singer Edmon, recording with Zé Ricardo, and spending three years in the band Sindicato Soul alongside vocalist Sérgio Loroza. He also co-wrote songs with Jair Rodrigues, such as "Domingo de Verão" and "Prazer e Luz," and shared stages with musical icons like Chico Buarque, Milton Nascimento, and Edu Lobo while performing in Bernardo Lobo's shows. Seeking to interpret his own compositions, he pursued vocal training and eventually joined his father's band and tours starting in 1998 with the album Bicho Solto.

Max began recording his debut solo album, No Calçadão, in 1998, but its release was delayed until 2003 due to his participation in Djavan's album Milagreiro. Following his solo debut, he released subsequent projects including Com Mais Cor in 2007 and Um Quadro de Nós Dois in 2011. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a versatile artist bridging traditional Brazilian popular music with soul and jazz influences.