Press
Praise for Clarão
debut album
"Clarão’s masterful musicianship captures the spirit and soul of Choro and Samba in a lively, personable way. These ten tracks make a perfect introduction that becomes more welcoming with every repeated play." - Scott Adams, Connect Brazil
“It's no exaggeration to say that her mesmerizing playing is one of the best things about the release.”
“Lovers of classical music are always searching for that special moment when something miraculous occurs... Just such a moment occurred when Kristen Mather de Andrade... set down her instrument and began to sing, in Portuguese, a Brazilian ballad called "Luar do Sertão." In this elegiac song, a homesick rustic tells city dwellers that they have never seen a beautiful moon because they have never seen it shining down on a pitch-black night in the countryside. The room fell silent when she began singing. Time stopped. Everyone in the room knew that something extraordinary was happening. ” - Joe Queenan
Eclectic and engaging performances
championing great music of Brazil, American traditions, and beyond
New York-based artist Kristen Mather de Andrade has immersed herself in a broad array of musical languages and cultures, from the classical canon to folk styles, Brazilian music, and beyond. Devoting time to both the worlds of clarinet and voice, she has enjoyed a career of prime accolades and acclaim within her chosen musical paths.
Mather de Andrade released her debut album in 2021, where she both plays clarinet and sings in Portuguese, garnering praise by the likes of Jazz Weekly, Connect Brazil, and even earning GRAMMY attention.
She has since released another album and two EPs following the success of Clarão. Her performances have been described as "mesmerizing," "eclectic and engaging," and like "a street festival of fun" by reviewers. Blending high energy grooves and heartfelt songs and stories, her shows are not to be missed!
Sets can be 60-75 minutes of original arrangements and features some of the best jazz/world musicians in NYC.
- The duo show features Kristen on clarinet and vocals accompanied by the guitar, accordion, or piano.
- Kristen's quartet set features a drummer, accordion or guitar player, and upright bassist.
- For the full impact, her "little big band" show adds trumpet, trombone, and saxophone to the quartet.
“'Clarão' is an honest take on a very particular Brazilian art form, though it's also surprising in its diversity.” - Bill Buckley
“...it is no wonder that Kristen Mather de Andrade is such an acclaimed clarinet player, with her solos adding a passionate flare to the instrumentation. “Côco Tara Tá Tá” is just what people need to get excited about more of the music Kristen Mather de Andrade will be putting out in the near future. ” - Jane Lambert
“ ...Côco Tara Tá Tá is beautifully done, and a treat to the ears. Beginning with a beautiful clarinet feature by Kristen, this song is upbeat and is sure to lighten the mood of any listener. A mostly instrumental track, it showcases each instrument beautifully without ever feeling overwhelming. A joyful group vocal repeating the songs title leads us out, interwoven with enticing clarinet melodies displaying Kristen's mastery of the instrument. ” - Jeremy Davis