Paulinho Garcia

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1979–present

Genres

bossa nova, brazilian jazz, samba, jazz

Instruments

vocals, guitar, percussion, bass

Biography

Paulinho Garcia is a Brazilian guitarist, vocalist, and percussionist known for his work in Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, he moved to Chicago in 1979 to join Breno Sauer's Brazilian Sounds, which later became Made in Brazil. Garcia remained with the band until 1991, when he formed his own group, Jazzmineiro. His eponymous 1996 CD received critical acclaim. He is also known for his collaborations with Polish singer Grazyna Auguscik, with whom he released "The Beatles Nova" and "Andança," as well as his duo "Two for Brazil" with saxophonist Greg Fishman. Garcia's solo album "Aquarela" features traditional children's songs and was released in 2016. He has been recognized with awards such as "Best Brazilian International Vocalist" and "Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz."

Garcia's musical journey began at a young age, singing on a children's radio program in his hometown. While vocals were his initial focus, he also developed skills on percussion, drums, and bass. The nylon-string guitar became his primary instrument after moving to the U.S., where he gained recognition as a vocalist who could also play simultaneously. His repertoire spans various styles, including boleros, tangos, rock and roll, and popular Brazilian genres. Influenced by vocal jazz artists like Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, Garcia moved to the U.S. to further develop his career in this genre.

Throughout his career, Paulinho Garcia has toured internationally, performing at renowned jazz festivals, theaters, and clubs across Asia, Europe, and America. He has been praised by critics for his tasteful and masterfully rendered music, with Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune calling him a "Chicago treasure." His collaborations and projects, including "Two for Brazil" and "The Beatles Nova," have showcased his versatility and ability to blend different musical traditions.

Discography

• Jazzmineiro (1996)
• Solo (Sozinho) (1998)
• Grażyna Auguścik, Paulinho Garcia – Fragile (2000)
• Paulinho Garcia, Julie Koidin, Dois No Choro – Juntos (2001)
• Grażyna Auguścik & Paulinho Garcia – Andança (2008)
• My Very Life (2009)
• Grażyna Auguścik, Paulinho Garcia – The Beatles Nova (2011)
• Beautiful Love (2014)
• Aquarela (2016)
• Grażyna Auguścik & Paulinho Garcia – Bossa e Outras Nova (2020)
• Dois No Choro, Paulinho Garcia, Julie Koidin – Carinhoso