Biography

Grammy winner Luciana Souza is one of Jazz’s leading singers and interpreters. Born in São Paulo,
Brazil, Ms. Souza grew up in a family of Bossa Nova innovators – her father, a singer and songwriter, her
mother, a poet and lyricist. Luciana’s work as a performer transcends traditional boundaries around
musical styles, offering solid roots in jazz, sophisticated lineage in world music, and an enlightened
approach to new music.

As a leader, Luciana Souza has been releasing acclaimed recordings since 2002 – including her six
Grammy-nominated records Brazilian Duos, North and South, Duos II, Tide, Duos III, and The Book of
Chet. Her debut recording for Universal, The New Bossa Nova, was produced by her husband, Larry
Klein, and was met with widespread critical acclaim. Luciana’s recordings also include two works based
on poetry – The Poems of Elizabeth Bishop And Other Songs, and Neruda. Of her 2015 release, Speaking
in Tongues, The New York Times said: “Luciana Souza has used her voice as an instrument of empathy
and intimacy, cultural linkage and poetic disquisition… singing wordlessly but with full expressive
intent.”

Ms. Souza has performed and recorded with luminaries including Herbie Hancock (on his Grammy
winning record, River – The Joni Letters), Paul Simon, James Taylor, Bobby McFerrin, Maria Schneider,
Danilo Perez, and many others. Her longstanding duo work with Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo
has earned her accolades across the globe, and her complete discography contains more than sixty records
as a side singer. Luciana Souza’s singing has been called “transcendental, “perfect, ” and of “unparalleled
beauty. ” Entertainment Weekly writes, “Her voice traces a landscape of emotion that knows no
boundaries.” Of her work with the chamber music ensemble, A Far Cry, the Boston Globe said: “Her
performance was more than beautiful. It was consolatory, and true to the work’s air of ultimate things.”