Lado B Brazilian Project 2 - Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruiz

Join us for our New Album Release Concert!

International recording artist Catina DeLuna and L.A.’s highly acclaimed arranger/producer Otmaro Ruiz present a beautiful selection of Brazilian repertoire and a follow up of their GRAMMY nominated Album.

Featuring A+ LA Session Players, LADO B Brazilian Project breaks the notion of Brazilian repertoire beyond the Carnival and Festive Stereotypes, bringing to the stage the music of their critically acclaimed new album "Lado B Brazilian Project 2" released last July (Sunnyside Records).

Focusing on some of the most elegant and moving compositions spanning from the early 20th Century to the present, the band travels through true rare gems of Brazilian music history, as well as boldly arranged new renditions of iconic themes by the unique pianist and producer Otmaro Ruiz, bringing a wide set of modern Brazilian Jazz.

Doors open at 7PM

Music from 8 PM - 9:30 PM

Wine will be available for purchase.

Catina DeLuna - lead vocals

Otmaro Ruiz - piano

Larry koonse - guitar

Rob Kyle - sax/flutes

Edwin Livingston - bass

Marcelo Bucater - drums

"With the arts community, free speech and multiculturalism currently under attack in our country there was no place I would rather have been last night than a packed Sam First for the official release of new music from Catina DeLuna and Otmaro Ruiz. Their Lado B Brazilian Project 2 is a sumptuous collaboration that pulses with the authentic heartbeat of Brazilian music. Beautifully produced with package design by Otmaro's daughter Maya Ruiz, the album includes liner notes by Luciana Souza and heartfelt endorsements from Peter Erskine and Abraham Laboriel, as well as English translations of the Portuguese lyrics and insights into each carefully chosen selection. This music breathes, flows and communicates with dense but never overpowering arrangements. Its another stellar project out of Tritone Studios recorded by Talley Sherwood and Harriett Tam. Vocals by Catina DeLuna; piano, accordina, synths and arrangements by Otmaro Ruiz. Larry Koonse, guitars. Edwin Livingston, bass. Darek Oles bass on "Vehlo Companheiro." Edu Ribeiro, drums. Special guests include the great Bob Sheppard on reeds and alto flute, Jimmy Branly, percussion and Carol Robbins, harp. A noteworthy assemblage of background singers includes Mon David, Melanie Jackson-Cracchiolo, Susan Marder, Roberto Montero.In my humble opinion, Lado B Brazilian Project 2 will be one of the most important Brazilian jazz inspired releases of 2025. Take a deep breath, refresh, and remind yourself that we are blessed with a rich melting pot of cultures and perspectives."

-By Mark Christian Miller (Los Angeles Jazz Society)

“Intricate, beautifully textured magic… The ten gems roll hypnotically like a hop, skip and jump through 20th Century Brazilian music history -- an infectious, buoyant set.”

-By JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran

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