Bio
Biography A very accomplished musician of Brazilian landscape, Humberto Araújo, saxophonist, flutist, arranger and producer, nominated for Latin Grammy Award, Tim Music Award, Brazilian Music Award, who has been lauded for his work both in Choro (Brazilian jazz) and Samba music. Synopsis Popular and classical musician Humberto de Araújo Reis Junior was born on September 23, 1959, in Rio de Janeiro. Araújo received his first instrument, a recorder, at the age of 10, and has been deemed a prolific musician ever since. At 14, left baroque music behind and began practicing Choro, Bossa-nova and Samba-jazz, playing guitar, flute and, latter, saxophone. He released his first studio album in 2004, “Choro Criolo”, and was nominated for two Brazilian Music Awards which elevated him to a prominently known artist in all Brazilian genres.! As a motion picture composer, Araújo was awarded best soundtrack in the Fortaleza Cinema Festival in 1985. Early Years Son of a radio broadcast director, Humberto Araújo raised in an amazing musical environment composed by the most outstanding musicians in Brazilian Popular Music that included his father, a producer and lyricist as well. Names like Rildo Hora, Ed Lincoln, Wilson Simonal, Newton Mendonça, Elizeth Cardoso, Elis Regina among others. Music continued to play a crucial role in Araújo’s life throughout high school, and at the age of 16 he went to the National School of Music – Rio de Janeiro Federal University to practice of flute, music theory and harmony.! He also studied Functional Contemporary Harmony and counterpoint with Esther Scliar at this time.! At the age of 19, receives his first saxophone. Araújo’s skills for music improvisation, spotlighted by the greatest Brazilian saxophonist, Paulo Moura, rode him, definitely, to the Choro, Brazilian samba-jazz and bossa-nova. Paulo Moura became his teacher and most remarkable influence in Araújo’s career as a soloist and music creator. Career Success Humberto Araújo became one of the most demanded professionals since early 80’s.! Has been acting with the most prominent Brazilian artists, as sideman, studio musician, arranger and producer spanning more than 1,000 studio tracks, including 300 arrangements and hundreds of soloing performances, over his 40-year career.! Among others we can mention:! Zeca Pagodinho, Seu Jorge, Martinho da Vila, Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Jorge Benjor, Paulinho da Viola, Elza Soares, Beth Carvalho, Cidade Negra, Ivan Lins, Roberta Sá, Casuarina, MPB 4, Tim Maia, Zé Ramalho, Leny Andrade, Carlos Lyra, Leila Pinheiro, Nei Lopes, Orquestra Petrobrás Sinfônica, The Temptations (USA), Matti Caspi (Israel), Ruy Mingas (Angola), Capitão Fausto (Portugal), Orquestra Sinfônica Nacional, Arlindo Cruz, Luiz Melodia, Peri Ribeiro, Fafá de Belém, Luiz Carlos da Vila, Trio Calafrio, Cáudio Jorge, Ruy Mingas (Angola), Orlandivo, Almir Gabriel, Paulinho Moska, Quarteto em Cy, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Maria Bethânia, Ivete Sangalo, Elba Ramalho, Lenine, Daniela Mercury, Alcione, Alexandre Pires, Braguinha, Nelson Gonçalves, Miúcha, Jards Macalé, Noca da Portela, Zé Renato, Dona Ivone Lara, Elton Medeiros, , Emílio Santiago, Sandra de Sá, Eduardo Dusek, Jair Rodrigues, Roberto Silva, among others. Living in Lisbon since 2017, Humberto Araújo Theatre Music of “Fedra” (Fernanda Montenegro e Augusto Boal); “Crioula, a Dama do Suíngue” (by Stella Miranda), “Pípoka” e “Corda Bamba” (by Ducht company ‘Munganga’);!“As Troianas” (by Esquilo); “Onde Canta o Sabiá” (by Gastão Tojeiro). Motion picture Music for “Pantanal Matogrossense” (1982 by Paula Saldanha); “A Última Canção do Beco” (1985 by João Velho); “Balada das 10 Bailarinas do Casino” (by João Carlos Velho); “Trama Familiar” (1989 by Emiliano Ribeiro); “João do Voo” (2015 by Sérgio Miranda). Accolades In 1985 awarded best soundtrack in the Fortaleza Cinema Festival. Movie: “A Última Canção do Beco”).! In 2007, received a motion Honors of the Municipal Chamber from City of Rio de Janeiro, because of the relevant services in the interest of Brazilian culture.! In 2008, Humberto Araújo was nominated for Latin Grammy Award, category Best Samba Album, as producer of “Estação Melodia” album by the great Brazilian singer Luiz Melodia.! Appointed Under Secretary of Culture of the City of Rio de Janeiro, from 2009 until 2010, also conducts his “Orquestra Criôla”, which 1 st album, Subúrbio Bossanova, was nominated in 2014 for “Brazilian Music Award” as Best Album “Group Category”. Living in Lisbon since 2017, Humberto Araújo maintains his activities as an arranger, instrumentalist, producer and artistic director of Oshun do Tejo Produções. In addition to his own 3 original song albums planned for 2022 and 2023, Yamandu Costa, Rogério Skylab, Zé Paulo Becker, Capitão Fausto, Rodrigo Campello, Bernardo Lobo, Mu Chebabi, Cacáudio & Carlos Fernado, Marlon Sette, Joyce Cândido, are some of contemplated artists in this new phase of his work.
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