...AS COMPOSER: "I have known Thiago de Mello for a couple of years, and have just heard three entire sets of Thiago's music at the annual Brazilian Jazz Festival presented by the Jazzmania Society, June 14th, 1980. I was very impressed by his writing - a unique and genuine style which encompasses a variety of moods and rhythm patterns paralleled by rich melodic and harmonic phrases. This is Thiago's strength, and from it, he has created a style of his own. Thiago de Mello is a very talented and unique professional composer who definitely deserves to be heard." Gil Evans Jazz pianist, arranger, composer and bandleader. ____________________ "I have been a performing musician for a quarter of a century and have had the privilege to tour the world wearing different musical 'hats'. Hundreds of concerts and few that are spiritually memorable. I can count on one hand the musical collaborations that have the spiritual effect on me that Thiago's artistry has had. Thiago's art is sincere and pure; his gifts speak from the heart of goodness. The world would be a more peaceful place if the folks that live on it were exposed to what Thiago is trying to communicate. And, I have no plans to buy any armor in the near future! Thank you, Thiago and God Bless." Bil Jackson Principal Clarinet, Colorado Symphony Artist-Faculty, Aspen Music Festival Artist-Faculty, University of Northern Colorado ___________________________ "...His compositions...are beautiful. But they are also gentle, hypnotic, bewitching and beguiling." The Boston Globe ___________________________ "The Music of Thiago". A unique blend of simple melodic material combined with a richness of harmonic textures whose bass lines parallel the chromatic sophistication of the late romantic composers! All this, and the varied and subtle syncopation which commands its structure, has its roots in the simple chants of the Indians of his native Amazon, in the intricate percussive texture of the Afro-Brazilian songs of the Brazilian Northeast, and in the sophisticated rhythms of contemporary musical idioms". Richard Kimball Pianist & Composer _______________________ ...AS PERFORMER: "[workinkg with Thiago] created new dimensions of rhythm, color and nuance. His wizardry at the helm of such exotic instruments as the rain stick, berimbau, jungle's mouth and tortoise shell evoked the spirit and image of the rain forest itself." Sharon Isbin Classical Guitarist ________________________ "Gaudencio é daqueles artistas nacionais considerados estrelas do primeiro time de instrumentistas internacionais mas que são praticamente desconhecidos em seu próprio país.... A música de Gaudencio não se resume... em esquisitices de percussão... é o que o aluno de bateria da escola de música, Nélson Júnior, 18 anos, gosta de chamar de fusion. "Ele é moderno, mas ao mesmo tempo mistura elementos eruditos", descreveu ao final do show. Análises à parte, Júnior mandou seu recado: os brasileiros precisam conhecer Gaudencio'." André Garcia Correio Braziliense Brasília, Brazil _______________________ "... Thiago de Mello is a genius of percussion." Jay Hoffman, WCBS News Radio New York City, USA ______________________ "When I heard Mr. Thiago de Mello play his works on the guitar, I was truly amazed! His perfect conception of harmony in coordination with the proper bass is simple remarkable! This precious gift, this rare ability to sense and to feel every minute harmonic changes in supporting the melody was so expertly executed, that I received the utmost pleasure when listening to Mr. Thiago de Mello's playing. A truly unique talent!!!" Jacques Press Conductor & composer ______________________ "On a range of instruments, Thiago de Mello produced extraordinary sounds. He's one of those percussionists who constantly plays melody; he shapes rhythms with the sensibility of a poet, coloring like an instrumentalist, phrasing like a singer." The Boston Globe Boston, USA