João Bosco (BR) – guitar, vocals
Ricardo Silveira (BR) – guitar
Guto Wirtti (BR) – bass
Kiko Freitas (BR) – drums

Singer-songwriter and guitarist João Bosco is one of Brazil’s best-loved musicians.
Many of his songs have become classics in Brazilian popular music since he began composing and performing in the 1960s.

João Bosco’s breakthrough as a songwriter came when he supplied some of the most successful material for Elis Regina, one of country’s leading vocalists of the 1960s and 1970s. His international reputation grew when he began touring extensively in Europe in the 1990s. Rooted in the Brazilian traditions of samba and bossa nova, but with an openness to influences from rock and jazz, João Bosco has created his own unique sound.

Describing João Bosco’s playing style, James Gavin wrote in The New York Times:
“He can stir up a whirlwind of speed and agility, breezing through tricky meters, harmonies and beats from all over Brazil.”

Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour said: “He’s got several things going on at the same time. He can be playing a very complex rhythm on the guitar, and at the same time he’s singing something completely different.”

The João Bosco Quartet includes some of Brazil’s finest musicians.

Over a long career, guitarist Ricardo Silveira has performed with the biggest names in Brazilian music, including Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento and Gilberto Gil.

In addition to his work with João Bosco, bassist Guto Wirtti is also a long-time musical partner of guitarist Yamandu Costa, who performs at YSJF tomorrow.

Drummer Kiko Freitas, who has played with João Bosco since 1999, was voted Best Drummer in World Music by the Modern Drummer Magazine in 2019.