Belinda Underwood Displays Depth and Maturity beyond Her Years

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One of LA’s most captivating Brazilian trios will join Portland-based jazz Vocalist, Bassist and Composer, Belinda Underwood for a night of enchantment Wednesday, February 1, 2006 8pm to 12am at Steamers Jazz Café, Fullerton, California. The nubile songstress has been wowing audiences across the nation with her vocal maturity and seemingly effortless scatting. Often described as "sultry," seductive," and "charming," Underwood’s voice transports the listener through various story lines. The stories are impeccably crafted original compositions, and skillfully interpretive renditions of the classic standards.

Belinda Underwood released her debut jazz album in 2005, entitled Underwood Uncurling. It features Airto Moreira, David Friesen, Dan Balmer and members of the band, Pink Martini. Underwood herself adds depth to the release by taking the upright bass and baritone ukulele seat for a spin on select cuts. Many of Underwood’s originals are currently competing as jazz composition finalists in the Independent Music Awards and International songwriting contests. Self-produced and self-released, Underwood Uncurling is receiving radio play at over 150 stations across the US, some of which have listed her in their top ten for several months.

Pianist, Sandro Rebel, a graduate in "Music Synthesis" and "Contemporary Writing & Production" from Berklee College of Music, has been working with artists of a myriad of music backgrounds and styles. Rebel’s resume includes such names as; Ray Brown Jr., Prince's keyboardist, Renato Neto, Salsa singer, Leslie Paula, flamenco violinists Rafael Aragón and Danielo Di Larentiis, R&Bsinger, Khaliah. Additionally, Rebel has coordinated with African singers, Maria de Barros and Amelie M'Baye, Sergio Mendes' current and former Brazilian band members Kleber Jorge, Octávio Bailly and Meia-Noite, Brazilian Duo, Sônia Santos and Ana Gazolla, Jose Marino, Helcio Milito and Zé Bruno.

Bassist virtuoso, Paulo Gustavo, has played with everyone from Elba Romalho to Peter Erskine to Airto Moreira. Valued for his versatility in all styles of music, Gustavo has gathered awards and acclaim for his bass solo abilities. Gustavo currently works with the Brazil Show Band, Sol de Alegria, Jacob Armen, Thorstein Kober, and as an ensemble player at LAMA.

Drummer and Percussionist, Sandro Feliciano, has collaborated with many great artists and producers all over the U.S. such as Teena Marie, George Clinton, the legendary Motown singer/songwriter Lamont Dozier, the multi Grammy Winner, producer, Al Schimdt. Additionally, his experiences include coordinating with jazz greats, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, and George Duke. The gospel group L.W.C.C., Dori Caimmy and Herbie Hancock. In 2004, Feliciano won the Los Angeles Music Awards for the “Best Independent Jazz Group” of the year with the contemporary Matt Roberts Group.

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