Break Out Artists

Beledo

Montevideo Jazz Dreams

Beledo is considered to be a myth (legend) among Uruguayan music connoisseurs, according to EL PAIS newspaper from Montevideo, Uruguay. Piano was Beledo’s first instrument. However, he became a guitar hero in his late teenage years, captivating audiences in Uruguay and Argentina. Later on, his fusion efforts of the early eighties in South America was noticed in the U.S. in articles for the upcoming talents in Guitar Player Magazine and Jazziz Magazine.

As a classically trained guitarist, pianists, and composer, Beledo performed with his group, Siddhartha, in every theatre in his hometown of Montevideo. He attended the University School of Music in Uruguay and performed classical music recitals on the national public radio. He was a founding member of the first jazz ensemble sponsored by the school in an effort to integrate jazz into the traditional curriculum. In other words, Beledo was already an accomplished musician when he came to the United States nearly twenty years ago. “When you change hemispheres, as a musician, you have to start from scratch, often doing it yourself (indie artist).” And, it is from that perspective that many great artists and their music frequently fly beneath our music radar screen. Therefore, I am pleased to present to some and introduce to others … Beledo!

"Beledo," as defined by Stix Hooper, “ is the epitome of excellent musical individuality and a profound example of the universality of jazz’s presence and influence in every corner of our planet. His new recording, Montevideo Jazz Dreams, exemplifies this and more.” Inspired by the memories of his native land, Beledo created an atmospheric piece filled with passion and beauty. This project features Randy Brecker on trumpet, Stefon Harris and Jorge Camiruaga on vibraphone, Andy Middleton on sax, Mark Walker and Manolo Badrena on drums, Chris Komer on French Horn, and David Finck on upright bass.

Beledo has performed on stage or on the same bill with many of the industry’s elite: Stefon Harris, Joe Locke, Tito Puente, Marcus Miller, Celia Cruz, Gary Willis (bassists with Tribal Tech), Bill Berg (drummer from Wayne Johnson Trio, Film and the BB’s), Kim Plainfield, Joel Rosenblatt, and Anton Fig (the Late Show with David Letterman). He has toured and recorded in Argentina at top venues with Pedro Aznar, Miguel Cantilo, Miguel Mateos and Ruben Rada. His other recording include Desde La Torre (From the Watchtower), Beledo’s USA recording sessions from 1990-1999 in New York and Los Angeles, and Lejanas Serranias (Distant Hills), world-jazz that incorporates classic Uruguayan musical forms, as well as Spanish flamenco styles.

Along with Peter Aykroyd, he co-produced music for the Warner Brothers film, Nothing But Trouble, starring Demi Moore, John Candy, Dan Akyroyd and Chevy Chase. He was also the musical director of the Upside Down Boy. This musical was the 2004 production of the New York theatre and arts education and organization Making Books Sing with music composed by Cristian Amigo.

Very few have been able to build a bridge between straight-ahead and the more melodic renderings of what we call contemporary and/or smooth jazz. Beledo is one of those few. He took me to a space that I would not have gone voluntarily with his music. I recognized that Montevideo Jazz Dreams was different from my usual jazz fare. However, I liked what I heard and stayed. When Beledo writes and plays, he remembers the listener; he remembers that others will hear his music. He didn't forget that he was playing for me!