ARTIST: Maximiliano
Brazilian Jose Ricardo De Olieveira Ayres (no relation to Roy Ayres) came to NZ in 2002 and seamlessly incorporated himself into the Auckland music scene under the name Maximiliano.
He had studied music at San Paulo University developing skills in Jazz, Blues and Brazilian roots music and toured throughout South America before crossing the pacific.
Gigs have come steadily for the talented guitarist who is often found at Auckland's Mexican Cafe, but who has most notably supported George Benson at Auckland's Town Hall when the Blue Note guitarist toured in 2004.
He has been working on debut album 'Rio Lights, Auckland Nights' since late 2003 alongside producer Richie Campbell (Ardijah), finally seeing it released this year. An album packed with smooth dance beats, Brazilian percussion and infectious guitar hooks.
