Album Notes

United by musical interests that include samba, funk, soul, bossa, blues, jazz and Spanish flamenco; MADELINE HOLLY SALES and HUMBERTO OLIVEIRA SALES joined forces to blend the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic riches from North and South America. They met at the Federal University of Bahia in Salvador, Bahia Brazil. Berto, native to Salvador, brought all of the rhythmic riches of what attracts so many international tourists to the hip-swinging, samba shaking streets of Brazil during carnival. His formal education in classical guitar and study of Spanish Flamenco added the elegance and poise that is so undeniable when he enters the stage. Madeline brought with her the strong influence of jazz, soul and blues. She sings in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Her sensual, rich voice; playful interpretations and strong stage presence make their combination extremely unique.
The year 2004 found them touring the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey. They performed as a duo and together with an eight-member ensemble playing Latin jazz, salsa, cha cha and samba. Madeline and Berto finished off the sixth season with performances in Austria.
In August of 2006, Beleza Brasil released their first album entitled 'Time to Dream'. It was recorded in Brazil and is a culmination of the duos varied musical interests: contemporary, soulful, funky, rhythmic, Brazilian, contagious music. The duo currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia.