Catina DeLuna & Otmaro Ruíz Illuminate Brazil’s Hidden Gems on LADO B BRAZILIAN PROJECT 2

“A project full of beauty, rhythm and enchanting arrangements. This is World Music and

Jazz, blended smoothly like butter and sugar. The artists offer us a sweet, Latin dessert

that satisfies in a most delicious way.” —Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs

With Lado B Brazilian Project 2, vocalist Catina DeLuna and GRAMMY®-nominated pianist/arranger Otmaro Ruíz return with a stunning continuation of their acclaimed exploration of Brazil’s hidden songbook. Rather than relying on familiar staples of bossa nova and samba, the duo digs deeper into the “B-sides” of Brazilian classics—songs with equally compelling beauty and storytelling but far less exposure outside their home country. Released July 18, 2025 on Sunnyside Records, the album is a celebration of reinvention, combining DeLuna’s crystalline voice with Ruíz’s masterful harmonic architecture to illuminate under-recorded gems with cinematic flair.

The project gathers an all-star ensemble, including guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Edwin Livingston, drummer Edu Ribeiro, percussionist Gregory Beyer, and woodwind virtuoso Bob Sheppard. From the haunting melancholy of Jobim’s “Passarim” to the playful choro energy of Caymmi’s “Requebre Que Eu Dou Um Doce,” each arrangement creates a balance between sophistication and warmth. DeLuna and Ruíz infuse fresh energy into Chico Buarque’s “Mar e Lua,” Vicente Barreto’s “Na Volta Que O Mundo Dá,” and Ivan Lins’ “Choro Das Águas,” while reinventing the iconic “Águas de Março” through unexpected textures and tonal shifts. The album closes on a high with Caymmi’s spirited “Vatapá,” a joyous reminder of Brazil’s deep connection between music, culture, and everyday life.

Born in São Paulo, Catina DeLuna is a celebrated vocalist, composer, and arranger whose artistry bridges Brazilian tradition with modern jazz, earning her the respect of peers and audiences worldwide. Venezuelan-born Otmaro Ruíz has long been recognized as one of the most versatile pianists and arrangers in jazz and world music, having collaborated with artists ranging from Gino Vannelli to Dianne Reeves. Their partnership—first recognized with a GRAMMY® nomination in Arranging for "Garota de Ipanema" from Lado B Brazilian Project in 2016—has evolved into a singular artistic voice that redefines Brazilian song for a new generation. Together, DeLuna and Ruíz shine as interpreters, storytellers, and innovators, offering listeners a rare blend of intimacy, sophistication, and discovery. For further information, please visit LadoBBrazilianProject.com.

LISTEN

REVIEWS

“Like dancers, DeLuna and Ruiz are closely attuned to one another in a mercurial arrangement that flutters, swinging lightly and freely changing tempos, feels and harmonies. From artful packaging to graceful arrangements and emotionally nuanced performances, there is much for fans of Brazilian jazz to savor in Lado B Brazilian Project 2.” —Katchie Cartwright, All About Jazz

"In my humble opinion, Lado B Brazilian Project 2 will be one of the most important Brazilian jazz inspired releases of 2025.” —Mark Christian Miller, Los Angeles Jazz Society

“Ruíz and DeLuna are dusting off hidden gems and holding them up to the light, letting us see how much brilliance there was all along. Lado B Brazilian Project 2 is sharing something beautiful. And that makes it a joy to return to, again and again.” —Tim Larsen, Jazz Views UK

WATCH