The Brazil Project “Like” our Facebook page! Brazil Project The Brazil Project is an exciting Brazilian jazz ensemble consisting of pianist Bert Dalton, vocalist Patty Stephens, bassist Rob “Milo” Jaramillo, percussionist Frank Leto, and drummer John Bartlit. Their music is a blend of traditional, contemporary, and original Brazilian jazz. Their premier self-titled recording won the World Music category in the New Mexico Music Awards. Samba and bossa nova rhythms, the excitement of carnival, sensuous songs in Portuguese and English, fiery percussion, and top-flight jazz and Latin improvisations make the Brazil Project one of the most exciting Latin bands in the Southwest. The Brazil Project has released two recordings – The Brazil Project and Café Colombo. JOHN BARTLIT Percussionist John Bartlit received a music performance degree from the University of New Mexico and was on staff for 12 years. John's trademark is versatility, as seen in a sampling of his professional ties: the New Mexico Symphony, New Mexico Marimba Band, John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet, Chris Calloway, John Cage, the International Flamenco Festival, several dance troupes, and his own invention, "21st Century Vaudeville." He has a platinum album with Robbie Robertson, film credits, and premier recordings of works by modern classical composers. ROB “MILO” JARAMILLO Rob "Milo" Jaramillo started out playing sax and flute, then switched to bass in high school. He also studied at UNM and went on to perform with John Lewis, Tommy Berndtsson, Bill Watrous, Tony Quinones, Hillary Smith, Ritmo Caliente, and Chris Calloway. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S, Australia, and Cuba with the Pink Flamingoes, Yoboso, & Ritmo Caliente. He resides in and commutes from his home on the Isleta Indian Reservation. PATTY STEPHENS Patty Stephens teaches jazz singing privately and is on the faculty for New Mexico Jazz Workshop. She works for NDI NM introducing singing to dancers. Patty has a program "Song Spiral" for families with young children that teaches the art of community singing through activities like gardening, reading/singing books and playing song games. Patty has been music director for High Desert Center for Spiritual Living in Albuquerque. FRANK LETO Percussionist, composer, and educator Frank Leto has performed and taught in China, the Virgin Islands, Michigan, San Francisco, Hawaii, and New Mexico. He is a certified Montessori teacher and travels the nation extensively presenting keynote speeches, workshops and teacher training programs. His highly acclaimed CDs and DVDs of his original music for children are being utilized by teachers nationally and internationally. "Move Your Dancing Feet" and "Rhythm Band Jam" have both won the Director's Choice Award. Along with his wife, dancer and choreographer Pilar Leto, he produces an annual Carnival event at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.