Clara Moreno

Biography

Clara Moreno, born March 13, 1971, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a celebrated vocalist whose artistry is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian jazz. The daughter of renowned Brazilian musicians Joyce Moreno and Nelson Angelo, Clara was immersed in music from an early age, often accompanying her mother to rehearsals and concerts. Her earliest musical experiences included singing backing vocals in children’s choirs for legendary artists such as Milton Nascimento, Egberto Gismonti, and Originais do Samba, which laid the foundation for her future career.

At 18, Clara moved to France to study music, where she began performing solo at esteemed venues like the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris and recorded her first single. Returning to Brazil in 1994, she quickly established herself as a solo artist, debuting with a tribute to Rita Lee and releasing her self-titled album in 1996. Over the years, Clara has explored a range of Brazilian genres, from traditional samba to contemporary bossa nova, and has been recognized for her ability to blend classic influences with modern sensibilities. Her albums, such as 'Morena Bossa Nova' and 'Meu Samba Torto,' showcase her innovative approach, often paying homage to her musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of Brazilian music for new audiences.

Clara Moreno's legacy is defined by her commitment to honoring and revitalizing the sounds of her native Rio de Janeiro. Her work has garnered critical acclaim internationally, particularly in the UK and Japan, and she is celebrated for her vibrant interpretations and collaborations with leading figures in Brazilian music. As both a torchbearer and innovator, Clara continues to inspire listeners with her authentic yet contemporary voice in Brazilian popular music.

Fun Facts

• Clara Moreno performed her first solo show in Brazil as a tribute to iconic singer Rita Lee at Au Bar in Rio.
• She recorded a cover of Edith Piaf’s 'Mon Manege A Moi' as a nod to her time living and performing in Paris.
• Clara participated in the 'Gets Bossa Nova' show in Tokyo, Japan, in 1997, helping to spread Brazilian music internationally.
• Her album 'Morena Bossa Nova' was recorded while she was pregnant, and it features a blend of traditional bossa nova with electronic elements.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Joyce Moreno - Mother and primary musical influence, guiding Clara's early exposure to bossa nova and Brazilian jazz. (Collaborations on Joyce's albums and live performances, including 'Revendo Amigos'.) [1971–present]
• Nelson Angelo - Father and influential composer, shaping Clara's understanding of Brazilian songwriting and arrangement. (Guest appearances and musical guidance throughout her early career.) [1971–present]
• Milton Nascimento - Early inspiration and collaborator; Clara sang in children's choirs for his recordings. (Children's choir recordings.) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Joyce Moreno - Frequent collaborator in recordings and live performances. (Track 'Minha Gata Rita Lee' on 'Revendo Amigos', joint concerts.) [1990s–present]
• Robertinho Silva - Worked together on recordings and live shows. (Guest appearances on albums, live performances.) [1990s–present]
• Bugge Wesseltoft - Norwegian keyboardist featured on 'Morena Bossa Nova'. ('Morena Bossa Nova' album.) [2002]
• Teco Cardoso - Regular contributor to Clara's and Joyce's albums. ('Morena Bossa Nova' album.) [2000s]
• Nailor Proveta - Collaborator on bossa nova projects. ('Morena Bossa Nova' album.) [2000s]
• Paulinho Moska - Clara opened for him at Garota de Ipanema park. (Live performance.) [1996]

Artists Influenced

• Sabrina Malheiros - Cited as a contemporary artist inspired by Clara’s modern approach to bossa nova and samba. (Modern Brazilian jazz albums.) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Ela Vai pro Mar (Meu Samba Torto)
2. Brincando de Samba (Miss Balanço)
3. Meu Samba Torto (Meu Samba Torto)
4. Samba é tudo (Morena Bossa Nova)
5. Deixa a Nêga Gingar (Miss Balanço)
6. Litorânea (Meu Samba Torto)
7. Sabe Quem? (Meu Samba Torto)
8. Meu Samba Torto
9. Rosa de Ouro (Meu Samba Torto)
10. Samba de Negro (Miss Balanço)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz