Zé Luis

Composer | Arranger | Producer | Multi-instrumentalist

Photo by Gustavo Malheiros

Photo by Gustavo Malheiros

As a distinguished recording artist and multi-talented professional in the music and film industries, Jose Luis Oliveira—known as Zé Luis—has left a significant mark through his diverse roles and achievements. With seven Grammy Award nominations spanning from 2004 to 2020, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Luiz Melodia, Zezé Motta, Bebel Gilberto, Chico Pinheiro, and Diego Torres. His expertise extends across various disciplines, including guest artist, musician, arranger, producer, and engineer.

Key Highlights:

  • The Atelier Music Studio NYC: Owner of the Grammy-nominated studio, recognized for its exceptional production quality and innovative approach.

  • Grammy Nominations: Seven nominations for contributions as a guest artist, musician, arranger, producer, and engineer, showcasing his versatility and impact on the music industry.

  • Film and Composition: Co-producer and arranger for Bebel Gilberto’s “Samba de Orly,” featured in the motion picture Rio. Nominated at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012 for the soundtrack of Beyond the Streets. In 2013, composed and produced the soundtrack for Color Thief, which won Best Short Film at the Madrid Film Festival.

  • IMDB Credits: Over 30 credits including major films like Ghost of Girlfriends Past, Monster-in-Law, and A Better Life, demonstrating a robust presence in the film industry.

  • Cultural Bridge: Renowned for bridging musical and artistic projects between Brazil, the United States, and the global stage, contributing to a richer and more interconnected cultural landscape.

Notable Albums & Contributions

  • Released two albums under his own name: Guarani Banana and Caiapó.

  • Contributed four songs to the compilation Green Heart.


Skills and Expertise:

  • Woodwind Performance: Highly skilled woodwind player with extensive recording experience.

  • Production and Arrangement: Accomplished in producing and arranging music for various genres and high-profile projects.

  • Film Composition: Proven ability to create compelling soundtracks and scores for both short and feature films.

  • International Collaboration: Expertise in fostering cross-cultural projects, enhancing global connections through music and film.

Jose Luis Oliveira's career is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and influence in the music and film industries. His work continues to resonate on both a national and international scale, making him a prominent figure in the world of artistic creation.

 
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Zé Luis @ GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Grammy Nomination - Audio Engineer
2020 Grammy Awards
Best Latin Jazz Album - with Chico Pinheiro - "City Of Dreams"

Latin Grammy Nomination - Producer / Musical Producer / Audio & Mixing Engineer
2020 Latin Grammy Awards
Best Long Version Music Video - with Just Play Peru - "The Warrior Women Of Afro-Peruvian Music"

Latin Grammy Nomination - Featured Artist / Musician
2019 Latin Grammy Awards
Best Contemporary Pop Album in Portuguese - with Jair Oliveira - "Selfie"

Grammy Nomination - Arranger / Musician

2016 Grammy Awards
Best Latin Pop Album - with Diego Torres - "Buena Vida"

Grammy Nomination - Arranger / Musician

2010 Grammy Awards
Best Contemporary World Music Album - with Bebel Gilberto - "All In One"

Grammy Nomination - Musician

2007 Grammy Awards
Best Contemporary World Music Album - with Bebel Gilbeto -"Momento"

Grammy Nomination - Musician

2004 Grammy Awards
Best Contemporary World Music Album - with Bebel Gilberto - "Bebel Gilberto"

 
 
 

Echoes of Jobim - Zé Luis: Real Brazilian Roots

Pat Cole/Down Beat Magazine

 

It’s a remarkably diverse skill set that helped Zé Luis to earn credits that include work with Bebel Gilberto, Sabina Sciuba, Brazilian Girls, Ivy, Pull, Verve, Cannes Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Independent Lens (PBS), Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (directed by Mark Waters), Monster-in-Law (directed by Robert Luketic), A Raisin in the Sun (directed by Kenny Leon), sessions for original music house Tomandandy, and collaborations with the oft-synch-licensed Orba Squara

David Weiss/Sonicscoop

 

I am happy to see Zé Luis’ own sound, which has crossed over international boundaries and has deepened into its Brazilian roots. In this album, his own compositions and a declaration of love for Jobim’s music are the message of a musician who already knows who he is and what he has to say

Caetano Veloso

 

..His profile around town is proof that he's got his own thing.

Time Out Magazine