Joe Vasconcellos

Born to a Brazilian diplomat and a Chilean mother, singer/songwriter Joe Vasconcellos spent his formative years moving through numerous countries, drawing in musical and cultural influences from each. During a period spent in Italy he attended Nicolo Paganni's Conservatory, where he performed percussion in sessions with local players. After returning to Chile, Joe Vasconcellos became a member of Congreso and wrote one of his most acclaimed songs, "Hijo del Sol Luminoso." His debut solo album, Esto Es Solo Una Canción, appeared in 1989. The 1992 follow-up Verde Cerca merged Latin jazz, contemporary folk, tropical, and Afro-American rhythms. A 1999 live recording issued as Vivo collected his strongest material.