Djavan

Brazilian singer-songwriter Djavan got his start in the late Seventies while playing modern sambas with a clear bossa nova vibe. Over the years, he has expanded his musical palette by incorporating sounds from jazz, blues, and the Brazilian northeast. His resulting unique style boasts a sophisticated sheen but also remains hummable enough to score constant rotation on his home country's radio stations. Listeners recognize the influence from the likes of Stevie Wonder (with whom Djavan recorded in 1984), Pat Metheny, and Chico Buarque, and his eagerness to experiment has gained him plenty of recognition abroad as well. His songs have been covered by Carmen McRae, The Manhattan Transfer, and Al Jarreau, to name a few.

At age 58, he says he feels accomplished as he once again hits the road with a band that includes his sons Max on guitar and João Viana on drums. Djavan explains that there will not be many differences between the show he is performing in Brazil (in support of his latest CD, Matizes) and the repertoire he will be bringing to the U.S. tour. "As far as the set lists go, I try to do the same show, mixing up some tunes from the new disc with songs from previous recordings. When I visit cities that I haven't been to in a while, I frequently include some of the older hits because I know that fans expect this from me," he says. "When I am onstage, I make sure my musical relation with the audience is as close as possible. Making this happen is my main goal wherever I might be playing."