LIVIO ALMEIDA a is a GRAMMY nominee saxophonist and composer from Brazil, winner of the International Saxophone Competition Victor Assis Brasil in 2015. He got his Bachelor in Classical Saxophone in Brasilia,Brazil; a second degree at The City College of New York(CUNY) in Jazz Performance and a Masters Degree in Music Composition at The Brooklyn College of New York(CUNY) and is a Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Performance student at CUNY Stony Brook University. Mr. Almeida appeared in many important Jazz festivals such as Newport Jazz Festival, Los Angeles Central Ave Jazz Fest, NYC winter Fest and NYC Carefusion Jazz Fest, and prominent venues like Carnegie Hall, Birdland, The Iridium, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, The Jazz Gallery, Cornelia Street Cafe, Joe’s Pub, Zinc Bar, SOB’s, BAM Cafe and Symphony Space, besides touring internationally. He has shared stage with world class musicians such as Grammy winning ensemble The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Birdland Bigband, Mike Holober, Adam O’Farril, Zack O’Farrill, Arturo O’Farrill, Boris Koslov, Ari Hoenig, Cidinho Teixeira, Helio Alves, Jon Gordon, Nelson Angelo and more.

Almeida also has two recorded albums, “Pieces” as a co-leader, and his latest record "Action and Reaction”, was released under the production of Arturo O’Farrill, receiving many accolades from the specialized media. He also directs a 10 piece band, a “dectet” dedicated to perform large ensemble Brazilian music , with a regular monthly residency at the traditional Zinc Bar in NYC.

Besides his frequent high profile appearances in the New York area and playing internationally, Mr. Almeida is considered a very distinct voice on saxophone today, being fluent in both Jazz and Brazilian musical languages . As a teacher, Livio served in the Saxophone chair at the University of Brasilia, Brazil and now is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Brooklyn College of New York-CUNY. Lívio Almeida is a Selmer Paris and Vandoren Paris artist endorser.

Quotes

“He... is a jazz saxophonist and composer with a unique vantage point., fully respecting American and Brazilian music and being conversant in both. His technical skills, musicianship, and instrumental prowess place him among the top contenders of his craft.”(Arturo O’Farrill, Grammy winner pianist/band leader) “The award winning Brazilian sax man steps out from his integral place in Arturo O’Farrill’s crew and turns up the heat on stuff he has burning inside him to get out. Hard hitting New York jazz tempered with some Brazilian edges, this is a smoking set that any straight ahead jazzbo will start fist pumping for. Tasty throughout, this is a right on date that just not to be missed. Well done.” (Chris Spector, Midwest Record) “The album demonstrates a mature creative personality from saxophonist Almeida. His playing on tenor is a distinguished thick sound, filled with emotion and depth. The most striking expressive and technical skills. Powerful performance and high-level quality.” (Leonid Auskren, Jazzquad Russia) “Top of the line musicality and terrific compositions, Lívio Almeida has that surge of brilliance that makes you want to stand up and shout Bravo! “ (Grady Harp)