Masha Campagne

Masha Campagne Born and raised in Moscow, Russia Campagne was immersed in Classical European tradition while studying cello and piano at the renowned Gnessin State Musical College. Diverse ethnic, cultural and creative atmosphere in Moscow during her ripening years inspired her to learn to play guitar and sing. Those early repertoire choices were Russian folk songs and City romances by Vertinsky, Okudjava and Makarevich.

Born and raised in Moscow, Russia Campagne was immersed in Classical European tradition while studying cello and piano at the renowned Gnessin State Musical College. Diverse ethnic, cultural and creative atmosphere in Moscow during her ripening years inspired her to learn to play guitar and sing. Those early repertoire choices were Russian folk songs and City romances by Vertinsky, Okudjava and Makarevich.

Campagne's musical family provided nurturing ground for her studies and encouraged an adventurous spirit by introducing diverse styles of music. At home she first heard LP records of Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, and Miles Davis and the vocal stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Carmen McCrae. ?My grandfather, the greatest inspiration and a multi-reed player, introduced me to the world of Jazz. Playing nightly with his 25-piece band at the Moscow landmark ?Metropol' restaurant he would often bring me along to his gigs. The spontaneity and swinging energy of the music abducted my heart . . .? Campagne recalls.

While in high school Campagne discovered Brazilian Jazz. Those early influences were Jo?o Gilberto, Tom Jobim and Elis Regina. In Campagne's words ?Brazilian Jazz with its sophisticated harmonies, subtle dynamics and unaffected vocals were a major inspiration?.

In 1991, Campagne relocated to San Francisco, with its rich and varied musical heritage. She was soon fully immersed in the Jazz scene by joining the Foothill College Jazz vocal group ?Fanfares' which won first prize in 1995 Down Beat's vocal Jazz competition.

In 2000, already a veteran performer Campagne stepped into the local San Francisco Brazilian music scene by teaming up with British guitarist Simon Butler to co-found the duo entitled ?Cantando um Samba.? This collaboration resulted in a self-titled EP, which featured compositions by Tom Jobim, Tonhinho Horta and Joyce. The success of this release garnered extensive performance engagements at top San Francisco venues like Butterfly, Caf? do Brasil, Bubble Lounge and others.

Campagne's passion for Brazilian music fully blossomed with her 2007 national debut release ?Caminhos Cruzados'. A talented, intuitive musician she widely collaborates with Weber Iago, a brilliant Rio de Janeiro-raised pianist/arranger.
The record also features impressive cast of musicians such as Harvey Wainapel, David Belove, Carlos Oliveira, Paul van Wageningen and Michael Spiro.