News > Spoleto 2015 Review: Mônica Salmaso

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L-R: Nelson Ayres, Mônica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso. Image by William Struhs 2015

Mônica Salmaso. photo by Da Pa Virada | Dani Gurgel

Mônica Salmaso is regarded as one of the best voices of her generation in Brazil. She has won Brazil’s most prestigious awards for popular music, best singer, and best music DVD. With these accolades, a larger than life, over the top performer may be what that comes to mind, but Salmaso’s comfortable and mellow style created a beautiful, relaxed, and romantic performance. Her presence was not overpowering or distracting from the music. She was relaxed, charming, and often funny as she told stories between songs. She started the night apologizing for the language barrier, since she speaks a little English and sings in Portuguese, saying she hopes to not offend anyone if she makes a mistake and says a wrong word.

Pianist Nelson Ayers and saxophonist and flutist Teco Cardoso, who is also her husband, accompanied Salmaso on stage. The trio had a smooth, laid back chemistry and played many popular 20^th century Brazilian songs, selections from Salmaso’s 2011 album Alma Lírica Brasileira, and a waltz written by the trio’s very own Ayres. Even though Salmaso sang in Portuguese, the language barrier did not detract from enjoying the performance. Her easygoing voice became another instrument in the trio and at times blended with the notes of the flute. Many of the songs were love songs, which added to the romance of the night. The Cistern provided the perfect complement for the performance as colored lights bathed Randolph Hall in the background and the Brazilian trio romanced us under the moss draped oaks and moon that hung overhead.

L-R: Nelson Ayres, Mônica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso. image © William Struhs 2015

words: Matt Mill
images courtesy Spoleto Festival USA