Almeida, Laurindo

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Almeida, Laurindo

Almeida, Laurindo, lyrical Brazilian-born American guitarist and composer; b. Sâo Paulo, Sept. 2, 1917; d. Van Nuys, Calif., July 26, 1995. Almeida studied at the Escola Nacional de Música in Rio de Janeiro. After appearing on the radio and leading his own orch., he settled in the U.S. in 1947 and became a naturalized citizen in 1961. He was soloist with Stan Kenton’s orch. (1947–50); then appeared as a soloist with sym. orchs. and as a recitalist; also composed for films. In 1971 he married the soprano Deltra Eamon, with whom he appeared in recitals.

Discography

Brazilliance Vol.l (1953); Brazilliance Vol.2 (1958); Bossa Nova All-Stars (1962); Brazilian Soul (1980); Latin Odyssey (1982); Tango (1985); Almeida/Carlos Barbosa-Lima/Charlie Byrd Music of the Brazilian Masters (1989); Outra Vez (1991).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire

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