Biography

Manoelito Martins is a Brazilian Born guitarist considered one of the finest in his instrument experiencing the tremendous struggle of a musician performing in small jungle villages and in massive cities like São Paulo.
Mr Martins is native of the small city of Cubatão, São Paulo, nestled between the Atlantic Forest and the Atlantic ocean on the southeast cost of Brazil where The Scarlet Ibis is the symbol of its wildlife. He grew up listening to the complex rhythms of the Choro, Samba, Bossa Nova from Brazilian Popular Music. His knowledge of Afro-Folk and Latin music, Pop, Rock, Blues ,Flamenco and Jazz are revealed in his daily work on board of the largest cruise ship in the world “Oasis of the Sea”.
Studying and practicing music from childhood he made his debut as many other musicians in clubs and streets in the cities.
From his performance in radio , TV channels, and Music Festivals he became well known for his talent to a large audience.
Manoelito completed eleven years of academic studies at the conservatory of Cubatão, three years at the University of Lusiada ,(currently Uniluz) in the city of Santos, and two years at the Carlos de Campos Conservatory of Music in Tatui, São Paulo .
Under the tutelage of the now famous classical guitarist, Geraldo Ribeiro, he undertook a course on “Virtuosity” and became a Master Guitar Teacher.
Following his passion for music and seeking new challenges Manoelito immigrated to the United States in 1999 and settled in Dallas, USA.
He accepted the invitation to perform in the Deep Ellum Center of the Arts in Dallas as guitarist and arranger for the play 'Between Pancho Villa and the Naked Woman', directed by Cora Cordona, as well as perform in the first musical opera and blues presentation of the 'Blind Lemon Prince of Country Blues'.
In in 2002 he won the National Hispanic Heritage Award and thus was invited to attend an interview by the American journalist James Regland for the Dallas Morning News.
He was also invited to appear on the TV program, 'Hoy en America' hosted by Fernando Romano.
He was granted and completed a full scholarship program in Classical Guitar at the very prestigious Southern Methodist University at the Meadows School of the Arts in Dallas. In 2003 he received the Artist Certificate in classical guitar performance.
Also he has enjoyed working with famous guitarists Carlos Oliveira, Geraldo Ribeiro, Roland Dyens, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Jorge Morel and Sergio and Odair Assad, among others.
He toured performing through the southern Brazilian coast with well known musician such as the harmonic player Aloísio Becker. In The United states he accompanied the Brazilian singer Baby Consuelo (former member of Novos Baianos Band on the 1970s).In the European Tour he accompanied the multi-instrumentalist and clarinetist Scott Young and the Portuguese jazz pianist Carlos Leal.
Mr.Martins, working for “Royal Caribbean International”, has played in concerts for an international audience in Europe onboard of "Adventure of the Seas", and in the West and East Cost of the United States and Canada onboard the "Serenade and Radiance of the Seas".
Manoelito Martins presently has been performing in the largest cruise ship in the world “Oasis of The Seas", sailing the Western and Eastern Caribbean.
A very active and energetic musician he recorded four albums through an independent label in the United States: Impressions, My Brazil Sweet and Low, Light and Lively Sounds of Manoelito and Manoelito by Request. It included works by Clapton, Anibal A. Sardinha (Garoto), Cole Poter, Jobim, Barrios, Joao Pernambuco, Tarrega, Luiz Bonfa, McCartney, Baden Powell, Dilermando Reis, Nazareth, Djavan, Luis Gonzaga and others. Currently two more albums are being completed and will be released in the USA: Echoes of Espana and My Crossroad.
His approach to guitar is extremely stylized and combines emotionally inspired interpretations with dynamic virtuosity.
The power and finesse in Manoelito’s guitar technique captures a special “Signature Sound” that every artist strives to achieve.
Manoelito is a man who found his niche by encountering the essence of his artistic soul.

E-mail : manoelitomartins@hotmail.com
Acoustic Guitar Club: http://acousticguitarclub.ning.com/profile/ManoelitoMartins Website: www.manoelitomartins.com
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