Lívio Almeida
Lívio Almeida is a GRAMMY nominee saxophonist and composer from Brazil, winner of the International Saxophone Competition Victor Assis Brasil in 2015. He got his Bachelor in Classical Saxophone in Brasilia,Brazil; a second degree at The City College of New York (CUNY) in Jazz Performance, a Masters Degree in Music Composition at The Brooklyn College of New York (CUNY) and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at SUNY-Stony Brook University in Jazz Studies.
Mr. Almeida appeared in many important Jazz festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Central Ave Jazz Fest, NYC winter Fest and NYC Carefusion Jazz Fest, and prominent venues like Carnegie Hall, Birdland, The Iridium, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, The Jazz Gallery, Cornelia Street Cafe, Joe’s Pub, Zinc Bar, SOB’s, BAM Cafe and Symphony Space, besides touring internationally. He has shared stage with world class musicians such as Grammy winning ensemble The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Birdland Bigband, Mike Holober, Adam O’Farril, Zack O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Boris Koslov, Ari Hoenig, Cidinho Teixeira, Helio Alves, Jon Gordon, Nelson Angelo and more.
As a leader, Almeida released the album “Pieces” as a co-leader, and his second record "Action and Reaction”, was released under the production of Arturo O’Farrill. His latest album, Brasília Sessions, released under NYC label Zoho Music received many accolades from the specialized media.
He also directs a 10 piece band, a "tentet" dedicated to perform large ensemble Brazilian music. Mr. Almeida is considered a very distinct voice on saxophone today, being fluent in both Jazz and Brazilian musical languages, touring and teaching clinics/masterclasses internationally. As a teacher, Lívio served in the Saxophone chair at the University of Brasilia, Brazil and now is an Adjunct faculty at the Brooklyn College of New York-CUNY. Livio is a Selmer and Vandoren Paris endorser artist.
“He... is a jazz saxophonist and composer with a unique vantage point., fully respecting American and Brazilian music and being conversant in both. His technical skills, musicianship, and instrumental prowess place him among the top contenders of his craft.”(Arturo O’Farrill, Grammy winner pianist/band leader)
“It’s marvelous to listen to an album of such high musical level, a "Brazilianness" above any suspicion. I’m so happy that there is someone in the United States showing what we do best in our dear Brazil. All strength in your path and many congratulations. Hooray to music, Hooray to Livio Almeida!” (Yamandu Costa, Brazilian guitarist/composer)
“Livio incorporates the small yet significant details, the melodic structures, and elements of funk in all the right places. The result is something forward-thinking while retaining a warm, approachable ethos.” Skopemag
“Brasilia Sessions… is one of the most remarkable Brazilian jazz albums in recent memory. It showcases Almeida as a composer, arranger, soloist, bandleader, and conceptual artist.” Kabir Sehgal