Dora Morelenbaum (Brasiilia) • Jazzkaar 2024
Brazilian songwriter and vocalist Dora Morelenbaum is one of the most intriguing talents on the crest of Brazil’s new music wave. In addition to her solo project, Dora is a member of the quartet Bala Desejo, which has been awarded a Latin Grammy. Dora Morelenbaum’s beautiful bossa nova inspired songs feel like a serendipitous reunion with an old love: simultaneously familiar yet offering a sense of new discovery.
Dora comes from a family of musicians. Her father, Jaques Morelenbaum, is a cellist, composer and conductor. Dora’s mother, Paula Morelenbaum, is a beloved jazz vocalist who, in addition to performing at numerous festivals around the world, also gave a concert at Jazzkaar in 1997, with baby Dora accompanying her mother in Tallinn. In 2020, Dora formed Bala Desejo with her schoolmates. Just two years later, the fresh ensemble released their debut album SIM SIM SIM, which was praised by critics and won a Latin Grammy. Dora began her solo career with the short album Vento De Bereida, released with the help of the Brighton-based prestigious record label specialising in world music, Mr Bongo. In her recent music we can hear influences from giants like Gal Costa and Maria Bethânia. Besides her short album, Dora has also released the concert album Live at Glasshouse, where she performs with Zé Ibarra and Julia Mestre.
Compared to the energetic and tropical sound of Bala Desejo, Dora’s solo music is calmer and more dreamlike. Her unique and captivating vocals are accompanied by a modern and beautiful instrumental sound provided by Guilherme Lirio, a guitarist, bassist, drummer and producer from Rio de Janeiro. 30-year-old Lirio has collaborated with Brazilian music giants such as Alberto Continentino, Ana Frango Elétrico and Gilberto Gil, as well as young talents from Rio de Janeiro. Lirio is a valued bandmate, modest yet incredibly witty. Sharing a stage with him means being in the best company possible.
Line-up:
Dora Morelenbaum – vocal
Guilherme Lirio – guitar
