Gilson Peranzzetta

One of the most requested contemporary arrangers and pianists of MPB, Gilson Peranzzetta has had classical training since he was a child, also being heavily influenced by jazz and Brazilian instrumental music. As a composer, he has had his songs recorded by Djavan, Edu Lobo, Leny Andrade, Sarah Vaughan, George Benson, Dianne Schurr, Quincy Jones, Toots Thielemans, Shirley Horn, and other artists. He has been touring extensively through the U.S., Europe, and Japan. His classical compositions include the suites "Miragem" (for piano and orchestra) and "Metamorfose" (for piano and string quartet). In the '60s, Peranzzetta was a member of the group Samba Jazz, also playing with Taiguara. He toured Europe with the group Central do Brasil, and became Ivan Lins' arranger and pianist for several years. His longtime affinity for guitarist Sebastião Tapajós yielded the most interesting album in duo with him, Afinidades. ~ Alvaro Neder