“Mania De Você” — A Warm Collection of Brazilian Standards....

New York, NY – Yuko Ito's Brazilian jazz debut CD, Mania De Você, is a provocative, unwavering testament to love. With renditions of classical compositions by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Djavan, Luiz Gonzaga, Rita Lee, Carlinhos Brown and Baden Powell, the album exudes romance and communicates her attraction to and profound respect for Brazilian music. The intoxicating flute melody, traditional guitar and percussion in “Ela é Carioca” (Antonio Carlos Jobim/Vinicius De Moraes) transcends you to Rio de Janeiro; the unique fusion with “Smile” (Charles Chaplin) gives it a fresh, uplifting tone that Ito views as a natural combination.

Ms. Ito’s passion for Brazilian tradition is evidenced by her all-star band, each accomplished Brazilian and Latin music artists. The band is composed of: Yuko Ito (vocals); Itaiguara Brandão (Bass, Guitar); Oriente Lopez (Fender Rhodes, Flute); Cidinho Teixeira (Piano); Mauricio Zottarelli (Drums); Café, Davi Vieira (Percussion); and Aaron Heick (Alto Saxophone). The album was produced and arranged by Yuko Ito and Itaiguara Brandão, a Rio de Janeiro native.

Mania De Você will warm your heart and leave you smiling. Lured by the infectious rhythms and carefree whimsy evoked in Brazilian music, Ito channels her naturally rebellious rock background into an uplifting, inviting sentiment that only an impassioned songstress can deliver. Ito said: “If I feel down and see the poetic

lyrics of Vinicius De Moraes’ in songs such as Berimbau, Agua De beber, I simply want to sing my heart out.

There is no anger in these songs; they just make your heart smile. A Tokyo, Japan native, Ito has studied and performed a wide range of styles including pop, rock, R&B, jazz funk, gospel, free jazz and various forms of Brazilian music. Her early musical career began with rock band Sissy Boy, producing two CDs: Marcy’s Factory, with Vaan Media, and Kick Off Boy’s, with Crown Records Japan.

Ito came to New York in 1994 to fulfill her broader musical vision, earning a B.F.A degree from City College of New York in Jazz Vocal Performance and going on to perform with the Harlem Gospel Choir and at celebrated jazz venues such as the Blue Note (New York). She appeared with the Harlem Gospel Choir on Good Morning America (ABC) and “New Yorker”( NHK BS1).

INFLUENCES ON CAREER:
I get influenced by people who really grab my heart...sometimes that's really hurts...but they make me think.... other than that Yukio Mishima, Amedeo Modigliani, Billie Holiday, Sabir mateen, John Coltrane, Nat Cole, Elis Regina and Daniel Giel

TRACK LISTING:
1. Berimbau 4:17
2. Corcovado 4:52
3. Ela é Carioca/Smile 4:47
4. Garota De Ipanema 3:37
5. Magamalabares 3:45
6. Mania De Você 4:56
7. Dindi 5:03
8. Qui Nem Jiló 4:31
. Flor De Lis 4:31
10. Agua De Beber 5:44
 
PERSONNEL
Yuko Ito - vocals (U-co, E-toe)
Itaiguara Brandão—bass, guitar (E –tie - guarra, Bran-down)
Oriente Lopez - Fender Rhodes, flute (Ori - en-chi, Lopez)
Cidinho Teixeira - piano (See –gene—yo, Te-se– ra)
Mauricio Zottarelli - drums (Maur– ri—see –o, Zota—relli)
Café - perussion (ca - fey)
Davi Vieira - percussion (Da-vee, Vie-era)
Aaron Heick - alto sax (Air-ron Hike)
  http://www.myspace.com/funnybabyfaceyuko