Breast Cancer Survivor Adds Light Samba Flair to 1970s Billboard Hit
Los Angeles (February 2012) – International smooth jazz artist Fabiana Passoni showcases spirit and heart with a comeback release following a three-year battle with breast cancer. Marking her debut single in English, “Lovin’ You” is a remake of the Billboard Hot 100 #1 1975 hit by Minnie Riperton. Using a samba rhythm and her velvety voice, Fabiana makes this version of “Lovin’ You” distinctly her own. Infusing a great deal of percussion is a trademark sound of Fabiana’s musical style.
With a strong desire of her own and multiple requests by her American fans to add more English songs to her performances, Kleber Jorge, Fabiana’s renowned guitarist, suggested “Lovin’ You” as the first song. Working closely with her band members, the song evolved into a light samba during the first rehearsal making the single available now for download on www.CDBaby.com and www.iTunes.com. Initially a precursor to her next CD project, Fabiana decided to release “Lovin' You” as a single. Plans to complete a full album will follow in late 2012/early 2013.
“Although music is a universal language appreciated by all walks of life and cultures, audiences like to hear music in their own native tongue,” says Fabiana Passoni. With “Lovin’ You” the lyrics may be in English but the musicality and style are definitely my own – Brazilian!”
Fabiana shares a kindred spirit with Riperton who experienced a similar battle with breast cancer but sadly succumbed to the illness at the young age of 31 years old. The song was chosen as a cover long before Fabiana learned of Riperton’s affliction of the same disease. That heartfelt bond greatly influenced Fabiana’s interpretation of this classic hit. Riperton, mother of actress Maya Rudolph, used the song while she battled breast cancer as a way to comfort her daughter. Fittingly, Fabiana also comforts her triplets with her Brazilian version of “Lovin’ You” much to the delight of her toddlers.
Recording “Lovin’ You” is a first foray into recording an album in English. Focusing on other cover songs, Fabiana plans to use her unique, heartfelt interpretations woven in a gambit of Brazilian rhythms. These “remakes” in bossa nova, baião, and samba will embrace a broad range of American/English styles and rhythms. Local performances in the Southern California area are planned as well as an intimate summer tour throughout the United States. Cities and dates will be announced.
About Fabiana Passoni
Born in Poços de Caldas, Brazil, Fabiana Passoni began singing when she was 6 years old. Her father would sit on the couch composing songs while encouraging her vocals to mature along with his. Fabiana’s father taught the budding songstress the art of interpretation and how to play to an audience. With her father’s musical influence as her foundation, Fabiana also received formal vocal training with Francisco (Chico) Campos, a famous Brazilian voice trainer. Growing up in a small town, Fabiana earned her first professional singing contract at political rallies throughout her home state of Minas Gerais. At 11, her natural talent blossomed with performances in nightclubs and at private parties singing music in genres including rock, axé, pagode and carnival. Her desire for creativity convinced her to explore other kinds of music. Even at a young age, Fabiana wanted to connect with her audience by leaving an impression in their soul with her own compositions. Fabiana ran a successful music school in her hometown in the late 1990’s before travelling to the United States. While in New York City, Fabiana began singing bossa nova jazz fusion to American audiences. Legendary artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Leny Andrade influenced her approach to music while she was slowly developing as a singer songwriter. She finally found her voice after moving to Los Angeles in 2007 and began composing songs for her debut album, É Minha Vez.
Fabiana’s three-year battle with breast cancer put her on a journey not only of survival but a discovery of her own personal musical style. With joyful rhythms and a velvety voice, Fabiana achieved her style with the acclaimed 2011 release of Naturalmente Brasil featuring 12 original tracks. The album exemplified her fresh interpretive manner and accentuated her distinct sultry, Brazilian voice. Composed in the midst of her battle with cancer, chemotherapy and pregnancy, Fabiana’s dreams of continuing her career never faltered even among many setbacks. Her spirit propelled her rebounding success. Fabiana’s songs are a combination of jazz fusion with the older rhythms of Brazil such as bossa nova, baião, and samba. Her interpretations are passionate, sensual and exciting. Her live performances are a celebration of Brazilian soul and culture - rich in percussion and expression with a relentless zeal for life.
Prior to Naturalmente Brasil, Fabiana released her first solo album in 2007 with É Minha Vez and appeared as a guest artist on four tracks with Native Vibe on Across The Globein 2008.
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