DOCE CARNAVAL
Born to an American mother and a concert-promoter Brazilian father, Alexia Bomtempo was raised in the beach culture of Rio de Janeiro, while traveling to America frequently over the years. She grew up listening to Brazilian popular music and Bossa Nova, as well as rock, folk and jazz. Since relocating back to New York City, the Brazilian-American singer-songwriter has fully embraced, challenged, and redefined the Northern half of her American artistic roots. Equally comfortable wandering amidst hazy memory-inducing soundscapes as she is in delivering flowing melodies influenced by her beachside upbringing in Rio de Janeiro, Alexia is an artist of of multiple worlds. Her sound is individual and confidently feminine, navigating genres ranging from classic American song to exploratory Tropicália. In 2008, she began touring throughout Brazil, Europe, Japan and the U.S in support of her debut release Astrolábio (EMI Brazil).
Her 2012 English language tribute to Caetano Veloso, I Just Happen to Be Here (Biscoito Fino) was called “an ingeniously produced, lucidly performed, and hauntingly beautiful collection...” (Village Voice). BlackBook Magazine called her 2017 album Chasing Storms and Stars “a deeply poignant meditation on lost love, broken dreams and the soul-searching confusion that comes with revisiting those memories.”
Her 2020 album, the jazz-meets-bossa-nova-flavored Suspiro (Ropeadope Records) was released to critical acclaim. NPR’s The Latin Alternative named it “one of the best albums of the year”; Jazziz Magazine highlighted its timeless quality; American Songwriter defined it as “an exploratory journey”; KCRW radio hosts fell in love with Alexia’s voice. Suspiro was produced by French producer and drummer Stéphane San Juan – known for his work with a diverse group of acclaimed international artists including David Byrne, Caetano Veloso, Tulipa Ruiz, Amadou & Mariam – and American guitarist Jake Owen (Augustana, Charanga Cakewalk, Forró in the Dark). The album features Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan, Mark Ronson, The Roots).
As described by the Washington Post, the “top-shelf Brazilian jazz musician” is currently working with Grammy Award nominated pianist Orrin Evans on a Brazilian inspired jazz ensemble featuring acclaimed modern jazz musicians Clarence Penn (drums), Luques Curtis (bass) and Leandro Pellegrino (guitar). Entitled Terreno Comum, the quintet has appeared at this year’s DC Jazz Festival and Exit Zero Jazz Festival.
Alexia Bomtempo brings her trademark sultry Brazilian sounds to fans with a stunning new album called DOCE CARNAVAL released August 5 on Ropeadope Records. Highlighted on NPR MUSIC’s All Songs Considered as one of the best releases of the week, the nine-track album is a love letter to the timeless soundtrack of Brazilian Carnaval, with Bomtempo reimagining classic Carnaval songs and infusing them with her own intoxicating vocals and “doce” (sweet) musical flourishes.
“Alexia Bomtempo - Doce Carnaval
[New Music Friday: The best releases out on Aug 5]”
“On Suspiro, [Bomtempo] showcases her love of timeless Brazilian classics, contemporary songs and American standards, with a few originals thrown in for good measure.”
“[Suspiro] is an exploratory journey into Bomtempo’s American disposition and Bossa nova roots.”
“I love her voice, and she’s working with a great band.”
“Top-shelf Brazilian jazz.”
“Definitely a candidate for Latin Album of the Year for me.”
