Artur Menezes
-Voted Best Guitarist International Blues Challenge 2018
-Won Gibson/Albert King award best guitarist
-Won Ernie ball contest best guitarist and played Eric Clapton's Crossroads Festival.
Artur Menezes was voted in Top 25 "Blues guitarists you should know "
by Guitar Player Magazine USA 2022
“menezes is a delightful digital-age cross between carlos santana and rod stewart. he’s got the spicy music style and the latter’s hardworking down-to-earth vibe” (blues blast magazine)
“menezes’ voice is a real asset, a great rock voice with just the right touch of bluesy imprudence”
(blues rock review)
Respected by and played with so many great blues guitarists
Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa ,Josh Smith ,Guy King , Chris Cain , Joey Landreth ,
Matt Schofield the list goes on and on.... An amazing Performer!!!
Artur Menezes is taking the blues rock scene by storm! As a highly energetic guitarist, singer and songwriter, Art impresses the crowds with his feeling and showmanship. Although very much influenced by blues, he crosses genres with psychedelic rock, funk and brazilian rhythms such as “baião”, creating his own voice and sound, which has been attracting younger audiences and helping to keep the blues alive.
Based in Los Angeles, the Brazilian artist is making his name playing around US. His last album “Fading Away” was released on October 30th, 2020, through VizzTone Label Group. The album features Joe Bonamassa in one of the songs and it was produced by Josh Smith. Artur also has a European Tour in 2021.
In 2019, Artur performed at the Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival after winning the Grand Prize in a contest promoted by Ernie Ball.
He also won Gibson/Albert King Award for Best Guitarist by the Blues Foundation and scored 3rd place at the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
In 2020, Artur Menezes got his Green Card granted by the US based on his recognition and efforts on promoting the Blues.
In 2017, Artur shared the stage with Joe Satriani in a festival in Brazil for a 20 thousand people audience. And recently, he started teaching guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA.
5 years ago, when he was still living in Brazil, Artur was headliner of numerous festivals.
In 2014, headline at Augustibluus Festival in Estonia and played in clubs in UK.
In 2015, he toured twice in Mexico and in 2013 in Argentina.
In 2012, Artur played the opening shows for Buddy Guy in his South American tour in Brazil.
As an educator, Artur teaches guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and has online courses and masterclasses with TrueFire, JamPlay, JTC and Pickup Music.
Concerned about disseminating and expanding access to blues in Brazil, Artur was one of the founders of the society "Casa do Blues" (House Of Blues), which promotes weekly shows with free admissions, workshops and lectures about the Blues. He remained on the board of the project until early 2013.
Artur was a speaker at TEDx,, an annual event licensed by TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) in 2013, where personalities share their experiences and knowledge in presentations broadcast live on the Internet and later released on video, the TEDTalks accessible to billions of people worldwide.
As an educator, Artur teaches guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and has online courses and masterclasses with TrueFire, JamPlay, JTC and Pickup Music.
Highlights
- 2020 Album “Fading Away” featuring Joe Bonamassa. Vizztone Label Group
- crossroads guitar festival 2019 - big prize winner ernie ball contest and performer
- teacher (blues guitar) at the musicians institute in hollywood (2019)
- Gibson award for best guitarist by the blues foundation (2018)
- best blues albums of 2018, with “keep pushing” (joe bonamassa’s list)
- 3rd place at the international blues challenge 2018 (Memphis, TN)
- keeping the blues alive at sea cruise (all star jam, 2018, jamaica)
- doheny blues festival 2018 (dana point, california)
- playing with joe satriani in Brazil for 20 thousand people (2017)
- tour in mexico (2015) and europe (2014)
- tedx speaker (2013)
- opening act for buddy guy’s south america tour (2012)