Raul Mascarenhas

Origin

Poços de Caldas, MG

Also known as

Raul Mascarenhas Pereira Júnior

Years Active

1971–present

Genres

jazz, instrumental, bossa nova, MPB

Instruments

saxophone, flute

Biography

Raul Mascarenhas Pereira Júnior was born in Poços de Caldas on April 5, 1953, the son of the renowned radio singer Carminha Mascarenhas. He began his artistic career in 1971 performing at dances, later joining the group of Johnny Alf, a fundamental figure of bossa nova. Between the years 1972 and 1975, he lived and studied in New York and Paris, refining his technique on instruments such as the saxophone and flute.

Upon returning to Brazil starting in 1976, he began collaborating intensively with major exponents of Brazilian music, recording and performing alongside established artists such as Gal Costa, Maria Bethânia, and Gilberto Gil. Throughout his career, he also interpreted repertoires by Tom Jobim and shared the stage with musicians such as Mauro Senise, consolidating his name in the Brazilian instrumental scene and joining groups such as Terra Brasilis.

His personal life was also connected to the artistic milieu, having been married to actress Cissa Guimarães and maintaining a relationship with singer Fafá de Belém, with whom he had his daughter Mariana Belém. Dividing his residence between São Paulo and Paris, the musician maintains an active international and instrumental career, remaining one of the wind instrument references in the country.

Discography

• Raul Mascarenhas Featuring Ricardo Silveira And Rique Pantoja – Raul Mascarenhas (1988)
• Sabor Carioca (1989)
• Mauro Senise, Raul Mascarenhas – Pressão Alta (1995)
• Raul Mascarenhas & Conexão Rio – Coisa Feita (2004)