Caio Mesquita

Brazilian saxophone sensation Caio Mesquita (b. June 14, 1990), a native of Santos, Brazil, first set foot on the musician's path at the age of five. He was given a small keyboard by an aunt, and this gift soon led to more formal study. He took piano lessons until the age of ten, when he heard Leandro y Leonardo's "Pense Em Mim" and fell in love with the saxophone. His piano teacher was also a saxophonist, and Caio began his study of jazz and popular music. He was soon performing in schools, at parties, and in clubs. It was at one of these small performances that the young talent was invited to perform a duet on the nationally famous Programa Raul Gil. The popular Brazilian variety show reached a wide audience; its presenter had more than 40 years of experience in the entertainment industry and launched several successful careers. Mequita performed multiple times on the show, winning many fans while silencing naysayers about the lack of interest in instrumental music among young audiences. His debut disc, released by Raul Gil's Luar Music, was entitled Jovem Brazilidade. The disc covered a wide range of styles, paying homage to many important Brazilian artists. Mequita was at the time Luar Music's only instrumental artist. In 2006, Mequita released Natal, a strong and well-received follow-up. Impressive sales and a rich sound mark the young Mequita as a jazz artist to watch. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide