Beyond Brazil

Beyond Brazil is a Halifax-based group showcasing various Brazilian folkloric styles and paying special tribute to Brazil’s most famous composer/songwriter Antonio Carlos Jobim. Beyond Brazil was formed in 2005 from a group of award- winning Halifax musicians who sought to explore the fusion of jazz and Brazilian styles in the tradition of Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd. Since 2005 the group has performed for thousands of enthusiastic listeners at Atlantic Canadian festivals and soft-seat theatres. Beyond Brazil’s repertoire has grown from samba and bossa nova- influenced jazz to include originals, Portuguese Fado music and Latin American folk songs that feature the group’s lead singer and co-founder Shelley Meisner singing in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Band leader, bass player, arranger, and co-founder Chris Churchill is joined by well- known local guitarist/composer Jeff Torbert on both nylon-string and electric guitars. Drummer Tom Roach treats audiences with energetic percussion-dominated grooves and the exciting sounds of his traditional Brazilian instruments. Pianist Holly Arsenault has recently been performing and recording with Beyond Brazil and will be accompanying the group in upcoming shows. Special guest performers often join the group on stage, adding further dimensions of melody and rhythm.