Wilson Simoninha

Wilson Simoninha, son of Wilson Simonal and the brother of Max de Castro, is one of the young revelations of the '90s who are recovering samba and bossa nova classics through soul/pop music, working in mutual collaboration with the Trama recording company. The live recorded show Artistas Reunidos brings a sample of such artists, with the participation of Simoninha, Max de Castro, Jairzinho Oliveira and Luciana Mello (son and daughter of Jair Rodrigues), and Pedro Camargo Mariano (son of Elis Regina and half-brother of associate João Marcello Bôscoli). Having formed the Suite Combo with João Marcello Bôscoli, Simoninha also works with him at the Trama recording company.

Simoninha's first album, Vol. 2 (2000), was praised by critics with his reading of "Eu e a Brisa" (Johnny Alf). The album also included the originals "Orgulho" and "Aquele Gol" (written with Bernardo Vilhena). Closely connected with Jorge Ben Jor, who wrote one of Simonal's biggest hits ("País Tropical"), Simoninha paid tribute to Ben Jor in the vignette "Mas Que Nada." The tribute makes reference to the inspiration received from Ben Jor, in whose Banda do Zé Pretinho Simoninha was a member in the '80s. In 2001, he performed at the Rock in Rio Festival, paying homage to his father, Tim Maia, and Ben Jor.