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| Bossa Nova Noites - Broken Promises (feat. Monique Elen) In the midst of the worldwide success of "Bossa Nova Noites I: Bahia Nights", which continues to gain traction on international radio (50 countries, in 150 markets, including 40 of the 50 U.S. states), "Broken Promises" is the latest single from Bossa Nova Noites, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of musicians from Brazil and the U.S. The track was originally conceived in 2021 during the pandemic by producer, industry executive, and BNN group leader Robert Hébert, veteran singer / producer / arranger Curtis King Jr., and renowned master Brazilian producer, arranger and keyboardist Paulo Calasans. This compelling composition merges Samba Rock and Funk, R&B, MPB and Jazz, resulting in a rich and layered soundscape. The song first took shape as a Chicago-Rio de Janeiro collaboration with Hébert giving free reign to Calasans to develop a funky, jazz-influenced MPB recording — who enlisted 3 top Rio de Janeiro musicians who are frequent Calasans and BNN collaborators: master percussionist André Siqueira, acclaimed guitarist João Castilho, and renowned trumpeter/arranger Jesse Sadoc. Hébert and King Jr. then enlisted Brazilian composers Marcello Ferreira and Enio Flavio Mol to develop the melody and Portuguese lyric — with their infusing the track with MPB sensibility — alongside King Jr.'s English chorus. Moving to Brazil in May 2022, "Broken Promises" was used as a BNN audition piece for the supernaturally gifted BNN star Monique Elen and former The Voice Brasil standout contestant Alana Santana, with Hébert asking Alana to contribute a Portuguese second verse. Hébert then moved to stamp the track with the BNN sound — adding the legendary, powerful Brazilian drummer Cleverson Silva to the track's already existing rhythmic complexity. Silva synergized with Siqueira's percussion to move the track directly toward a Funk Samba - Chicago Blues R&B hybrid, a signature sound of BNN. Monique Elen first showcased "Broken Promises" live during a BNN television concert production, performing on-stage with 14 musicians, including a full horn section — performing the song two and a half keys above her natural vocal range. Following the concert, King Jr. adjusted the key down to Monique's natural place … and recorded the official studio version for BNN I, featuring the dual-language (English and Portuguese) lyrics. The final power surge came with the addition of Hébert's old friend from Chicago, the legendary bassist Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones, Sting, Madonna, and of course Miles Davis), with King Jr. adding new vocal elements, and a final mix completed in Atlanta by Hébert and award-winning engineer Luther Banks. "Broken Promises" represents the beginning of the next chapter in the international success of Bossa Nova Noites, highlighting the global reach of Brazilian music and its synergy with "the world's music". This release continues BNN's mission of bridging cultures through sound, bringing together some of the most talented musicians across continents to craft a truly unique sonic experience. Monique Elen is an emerging Brazilian international star known for her powerful and emotive vocal delivery. Raised in the vibrant musical culture of Brazil, Monique's artistry blends traditional Brazilian sounds with contemporary influences like R&B, Pop, MPB, and jazz, making her a new dynamic force in the music world. Monique captivates audiences with her unique ability to effortlessly cross musical boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in her Brazilian heritage. Her gifts are recognized both locally and internationally, with numerous performances alongside world-class musicians and collaborations that highlight her versatility. As indicated above, Monique's involvement with Bossa Nova Noites began in 2022 when she was selected to audition for BNN ... with "Broken Promises" as the audition stopper. Hébert says:: "Halfway through the first chorus, I said out loud in the studio: "Okay, enough of this 'audition' nonsense … this lady is the last stop on the train." Since then, Monique has become a pivotal figure in the project, lending her extraordinary vocal talent to BNN and solidifying her role as one of the most exciting new voices in the world. Her participation on "Broken Promises" exemplifies her own soulful commitment to bridging the gap between Brazilian rhythms and global genres, making her the perfect ambassador for Bossa Nova Noites as the project expands its international reach. Indeed, Monique Elen carries well the torch for Bossa Nova Noites, representing a new era of Brazilian music on the international stage with "Broken Promises." This is just the beginning for her — as Monique is entering the studio soon with Hébert leading a producer team with his producer partner, the legendary Larry Williams of Quincy Jones and Al Jarreau fame, to craft Monique's signature debut solo album. She is featured now in BNN TV projects; and she also is featured in upcoming BNN tours in the U.S. and Europe. Label: Bossa Nova Noites Produced by: Robert Hébert & Paulo Calasans, Co-produced by Curtis King Jr. Mixed by: Luther Banks in Atlanta Recorded in: Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Chicago, Florida, Minas Gerais, Los Angeles Genres: Samba, Blues, MPB, R&B Release Date: April 11, 2025 Airplay date / "Going for Adds": Friday, April 11, 2025 Copyright 2025 - Legado e Alquimia Brasil Talent, LLC (Bossa Nova Noites) UPC: 199339492317 Bossa Nova Noites Broken Promises (feat. Monique Elen) Release date: Friday, April 11th 2025 write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |