1948

Songwriter, arranger, singer and guitarist from Rio de Janeiro, she began studying music in the 1960s, at music schools and with guitarists like Sidney Miller and Jards Macalé. In 1968, her song "Lembrança" was performed by Dóris Monteiro in a college music fest. She won a scholarship to study at the Berklee School of Music in 1972, where she majored on Arrangement and Composition. In the United States, she participated in assorted concerts and recording sessions. Celia also wrote the arrangements to the album "Hotmosphere", of percussionist Dom Um Romão, which featured her song "Cisco Two". Vaz returned to Brazil in 1976, studying harmony with maestro Guerra-Peixe, and released her debut solo album, "Mutação", in 1980, with guest appearances by Pat Matheny, Ricardo Silveira and Victor Biglione, on Polygram. During the 80s, she lined-up and conducted the Orquestra Celia Vaz, developing projects with Rosinha de Valença and other artists. As an arranger, she has worked with Martinho da Vila, Joyce, Leci Brandão, Rio Jazz Orchestra, Carlinhos do Pandeiro, Billy Eckstine and others. She's been the musical director of the vocal group Quarteto em Cy since 1983, with whom she's performed all over Brazil, plus Japan, Cuba and Europe. In 1994, she recorded the CD "Brasileiras" with singer and guitarist Wanda Sá and guest appearances by Dori Caymmi, João Donato, Tom Jobim and others. The next year, she released her second solo albums, 'Celia Vaz", on Leblon Records, featuring Chico Buarque. During the 1990s, Celia recorded for English labels that were reprinting instrumental Brazilian music mixed with samplers and electronic instruments. Following that trend, she recorded the album "Ebb and Flow" in 1999, but it was released in Europe only. In 2000, she went to Japan once more, to participate in the album by Japanese singer Kumi Hara. She is also a music teacher. Elba Ramalho, Zélia Duncan, Maurício Mattar, Antônio Adolfo, Mauro Senise and Luizão Maia are some of the artists who have had lessons with her.