Singing guitarist

João Menezes

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About João

Versatile singer-guitarist blending Brazilian rhythms, jazz, and soul for relaxed or upbeat music to elevate any event.
Singing guitarist
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million

João Menezes is a Portuguese singer, guitarist, and composer based in London, known for his versatility and artistry. With a deep passion for Brazilian music, João brings the vibrant rhythms of Bossa Nova, Samba, and MPB to his performances, blending them seamlessly with the rich improvisational language of jazz. His repertoire also includes blues, pop, and timeless jazz standards, making him the ideal choice for any event, from intimate gatherings to lively celebrations. João’s music is inspired by legendary artists such as Tom Jobim, Jorge Ben Jor, Ray Charles, Bill Withers, John Mayer, and Frank Sinatra. Whether you’re looking for relaxed, sophisticated background music to create an elegant atmosphere or more upbeat and engaging performances to energize your event, João has the flexibility and expertise to tailor his set to your needs. With years of experience performing at a variety of venues and events, João has mastered the art of creating the perfect ambiance for any occasion. His warm vocals and skillful guitar playing bring depth and charm to every performance, captivating audiences while never overpowering the setting. He is equally at home providing soft, melodic music for weddings and corporate events as he is leading vibrant, rhythm-driven sets for parties and festivals. João’s extensive repertoire is ideal for those seeking a mix of styles and moods. From the smooth and romantic sounds of Bossa Nova classics like “Garota de Ipanema” by Tom Jobim to the soulful grooves of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine,” João’s song list appeals to a wide range of musical tastes. His sets often include the timeless elegance of Frank Sinatra’s jazz standards, the heartfelt emotion of John Mayer’s acoustic hits, and the infectious energy of Jorge Ben Jor’s Brazilian classics. A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a degree in jazz guitar, João brings a high level of professionalism and artistry to every performance. Over the years, he has performed at some of London’s most iconic venues, including Hampstead Jazz Club, The Pheasantry (Pizza Express), and 606 Club, as well as internationally in cities across Europe and Asia. This wealth of experience allows João to adapt to different audiences and settings, ensuring that every event he plays is truly special. Whether you’re planning a wedding, private party, corporate event, or any other celebration, João Menezes can provide the perfect live music experience. His ability to blend genres and create a customized atmosphere makes him a sought-after choice for clients looking to elevate their events with a touch of sophistication, warmth, and style. Let João bring his soulful sound and exceptional musicianship to your event, making it a memorable and truly unique experience.

João
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5 out of 5
1 verified review
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

João's Reviews

From Encore customers:

MD
Miguel S
4 months ago
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5 out of 5

I booked João for his specialism in Brazilian music, and he played at a private family function. He was a consummate professional in everyway, and adapted his performance to fit the vibe at the party. His skill and musicianship in singing and guitar playing was very impressive, and I’d highly recommend João without hesitation. Every single person at the party mentioned how good he was. Thank you João – you really made the party something special.

From other customers:

A(
Anna H
3 years ago

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you hugely for yesterday night- it was a huge success- due to the excellence of the entertainment. Guests were amazed by the acts, asking when the band were returning, and saddened the dancers couldn’t stay longer! Safe to say the evening entertainment was a great hit! 😃

I
IMG
2 years ago

Excellent performance for Taste of London! Thanks again

João's Song list

Jazz Standards:
All of Me
Alone Together
Autumn in New York
Beautiful Love
Body and Soul
Bye Bye Blackbird
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Every Time We Say Goodbye
Fever
Fly Me to the Moon
Have You Met Miss Jones
I Wish You Love
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
In a Sentimental Mood
It Could Happen to You
Like Someone in Love
LOVE
Misty
Nature Boy
On The Sunny Side of the Street
Our Love Is Here to Stay
Pure Imagination
Skylark
Smoke Gets in your Eyes
The Days of Wine and Roses
The Masquerade Is Over
The Nearness of You
There Will Never be Another You
These Foolish Things (Reminds Me of You)
You Don’t Know What Love Is
Sway
Latin (Brazilian, Cuban, Spanish):
Tom Jobim
(Samba de uma nota só
Chega de Saudade
Corcovado
Brigas Nunca Mais
A felicidade
Desafinado
Aquarela do Brazil
Agua de Beber
Garota de Ipanema
Wave
Dindi
Luiza
Ligia
Triste
Meditação
Samba do Avião
Retrato em Branco e Preto)
João Bosco
(Incompatibilidade de Genios
Nação
De Frente Pro Crime
O Bebado e a Equilibrista
Coisa Feita
Papel Mache
Bala com Bala
Pret-a-porter de Tafeta
Linha de Passe
A Nivel De…
Mestre Sala dos Mares
Sinhá)
João Gilberto
(De Conversa em conversa
Bolinha de Papel
Pra Machucar Meu Coração
O Pato
Guacyra
Lobo Bobo
Aos Pes da Santa Cruz
Rosinha
Rosa Morena
Tin Tin Por Tin Tin
Doralice
Saudade Fez um Samba
Isto Aqui o Que e
Saudades da Bahia
E preciso Perdoar)
Vinicius de Moraes
(Regra tres
Voce e eu
Onde Anda Voce)
Toquinho
(Samba de Orly
Tarde em Itapuã)
Djavan
(Flor de Lis
Coração Leviano
E Que Deus Ajude
Samba Dobrado
Sina
Beiral
Samurai
Asa
Maçã
Azul
Serrado
Aquele Um
Fato Consumado
Outono)
Beth Carvalho
(Tristeza)
Caetano Veloso
(Leãozinho
Desde Que o Samba e Samba
Aquele Frevo Axe
Sozinho)
Clara Nunes
(Feira de Mangaio)
Sergio Mendes
(Magalenha)
Novos Baianos
(Brasil Pandeiro
Cadencia do Samba)
Cartola
(O mundo e um Moinho
Corra e Olhe o Ceu
Peito vazio
Amor Proibido
Alvorada)
Toninho Horta
(Aqui, Oh!)
Jorge Ben
(Mas Que Nada
Oba, Lá vem ela
Chove Chuva
Pais Tropical
Taj Mahal
Adelita)
Gilberto Gil
(Filhos de Gandhi
Toda Menina Baiana
Chiclete com Banana
Palco
Aquele Abraço
Drão
Andar com fe)
Markus Ribas
(Zamba Ben)
Marcos Valle
(Samba de verão
Valeu)
Dorival Caymmi
(O Samba da minha Terra
Rosa Morena
Acontece que sou Baiano)
Adoniran Barbosa
(Trem das Onze
Tiro ao Alvaro
Isto Aqui o Que E?)
Martinho da Vila
(Mulheres
Canta Canta)
Zeca Pagodinho
(Camarão Que Dorme a Onda Leva)
Luiz Gonzaga
(Vem Morena
Asa Branca
Oia Eu Aqui De Novo)
Dominguinhos
(Eu So Quero Um Xodó)
Ze Keti
(A voz do Morro)
Paulinho da Viola
(Guardei Minha Viola
Argumento)
Arlindo Cruz
(Meu Lugar
O Show Tem Que Continuar)
Tim Maia
(Descobridor dos Sete Mares)
Gonzaguinha
(E vamos a luta
É!
O Que e o Que e?
O Homem Falou)
Novos Baianos
(Na Cadência do Samba
Brasil Pandeiro)
Seu Jorge
(Amiga da Minha Mulher
Burguesinha
Carolina
Felicidade)
Noel Rosa
(Feitiço da Vila
Palpite Infeliz)
Buena Vista Social Club
(Guantanamera
Chan Chan
Tuyo)
Juanes
(La Camisa Negra)
Pop/Soul/Blues:
Bill Withers
(Lovely Day
Just the Two of Us
Ain't No Sunshine)
John Mayer
(Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
Neon
Crossroads (Cream cover)
Daughters
Gravity
Stop This Train
Free Fallin'
Something Like Olivia
Half of my Heart)
Marvin Gaye
(Ain't No Mountain High Enough)
Ray Charles
(Hallelujah, I Love Her So
I Don't Need No Doctor
I Got a Woman
Hit The Road Jack
Georgia on My Mind)
Stevie Wonder
(Isn't She Lovely
Superstition
Overjoyed
My Cherie Amour
I Wish
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Sir Duke
I Wish
Ribbon In The Sky)
Oasis
(Wonderwall
Don't Look Back in Anger)
The Beatles
(Hey Jude
Here Comes The Sun
Let it Be)
Marron 5
(Sunday Morning
Sugar
She Will be Loved
This Love)
Amy Winehouse
(Back to Black
Rehab
Valerie)
Daft Punk
(Get Lucky)
Pharell Williams
(Happy)
Gnarls Barkley
(Crazy)
Jason Mraz
(I'm Yours)
Michael Buble
(Home)
Bruno Mars
(Treasure
Lazy Song)
John Legend
(All of Me)
Sam Smith
(Stay With Me)

João's Prices

Last updated: 2024

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£125
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£375
Up to 3 hours£500
Packages
Solo Performance
Solo Performance up to 2 hours at your event.
£375
Duo performance
Duo Performance up to 2 hours at your event.
£500
Trio Performance
Trio Performance up to 2 hours at your event. Can be up beat!
£625
Quartet Performance (Party, Wedding)
Quartet Performance up to 2 hours at your event. If you need an up beat band for your guest to dance, this is your choice!
£1000

Add-ons

Requested Song, longer than 1 week notice
+£25
Requested song, less than 1 week notice
+£37.50
Customer questions

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed in various venues in Europe and in Asia. Some examples would be: - Vortex Jazz Club (London, UK) - 606 Club (London, UK) - Cheltenham Playhouse (Cheltenham, UK) - Cineteatro João Mota (Sesimbra, Portugal) - Jardin du Luxembourg (Paris, France) - Rhythmscape (Taipei, Taiwan) - Yuppy Bookstore (Taipei, Taiwan)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

I’ve been very influenced by musicians like João Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Tom Jobim, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Jim Hall, Joe Pass, Ray Charles, and many others.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Please let me know as soon as possible and if it is possible to accommodate I will.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes. I can provide a playlist to play In between sets if requested.

How much time do you need to set up?

Between 45m-1.5 hours depending on the event and if it's a solo gig or with a band.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Of course!

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

I can bring an Amplifier for vocals and guitar, as well as the mic stand, microphone and all the cables.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

I can, but there is a small fee to do so.
Musicianship
Genres:
Brazilian music, Jazz, Bossa nova, Samba, Latin, Blues, Latin jazz, Cuban music, Spanish music, Salsa
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Instruments:
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Event types:
Private event, Wedding, Wedding proposal, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Concert, Theatre / Show, Cruise, Birthday party, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Recording session
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Other skills:
Composer, Songwriter, Arranger, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Theory teaching
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