For those unaware, Paula Maya is an award winning Brazilian pianist-keyboardist, singer, songwriter, band leader, producer, teacher and recording artist. She is a Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards voting member. In March 2024 Paula Maya won the Global Music Awards Silver Medal in the category Best Instrumentalist with her release Mar da Minha Terra (Bossa Nova).

Also in 2024 she was nominated Best World Artist by the Austin Chronicle Music Awards. in 2016 she was nominated Best Brazilian Musician living in the US by Focus Web News Brazilian International Press Awards. Her compositions have roots in traditional rhythms and melodies such as maracatú, baião and samba. They are inspired and influenced by bossa nova, jazz, blues, Cuban music and African music.

Furthermore, Paula has released twelve albums and hosts a monthly residency at the premier world music club in Austin TX, Sahara Lounge, 4th Fridays Bossa Nova, and her brand new album is available now!

Entitled Rio de Janeiro, it was recorded and mixed in Brasil with legendary Brazilian musicians including Grammy Winning drummer/ producer Teo Lima and bass player Sizão Machado.

1. Rosalie (3:54)
2. Vivo Sonhando (3:04)
3. Rio de Janeiro (4:10)
4. Iemanjá (Flores do Mar) (3:58)
5. Mulher (3:25)
6. A Beleza (3:53)
7. Água Sagrada (4:50)

This vivaciously sculpted new recording opens on the quietly strident Rosalie and then we are brought forth the free flowing Vivo Sonhando and the playfully rambunctious, and my own personal favorite, the titular Rio de Janeiro.

Along next is the flourishing Iemanjá (Flores do Mar) and that is in turn backed by the atmospheric Mulher, then comes the Latin hipsway that dutifully drives A Beleza, the musical experience closing on the impassioned Água Sagrada.

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