Anna Salleh has a passion for Brazilian music - from Bossa Nova to Afro-Samba - and has become one of Sydney’s much loved exponents of these styles, with her repertoire including original tunes that draw on this tradition as well.
Gino Pengue is a much sought-after guitarist who plays in Anna’s quartet Serafina as well with other groups including multicultural Marsala. He shares Anna’s love for Brazilian music and his sensitive playing perfectly complements her vocal artistry and natural feel.
"Salleh has the right sort of light, supple voice (and excellent Portuguese) to give this music the lilt it demands … If this isn’t the sound of Summer, I don’t know what is” - Sydney Morning Herald'
"Unaffected, Warm-hearted" - Sydney Morning Herald
"To die for ... Exquisite, uplifting, enchanting" - Troubadour Club
"Unaffected, warm-hearted" - Sydney Morning Herald
“An outstanding artist” - Jazz Scene
“Sublime rendition of Brazilian classics with little bubbles and arrows of phrases energised by a rhythm that just won't stop. Soft and sensual - soul and dream hold each other in a waltz' Impressions from an earlier show.” - Danny Gardner, poet and writer
“Anna has a sensitive and romantic nature … She gives an exquisite performance … and does very special work.” - Jose Soares Junior, Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Kuala Lumpur
"She makes a little macumba at midnight.” - Roberto Menescal (bossa nova pioneer)
“She seduces the audience as only a woman with a real love and respect of Brazilian music could.” - Tina Harrod, acclaimed Australian soul singer
“Captivating!” - Georgina Reed and Peter March, Northside FM
“There's something very special here: a real understanding and passion for the idiom ... really well played with a lot of life and energy.” - Peter Rechniewski (co-founder of the Sydney Improvised Music Association and Foundry616 jazz club)
