From her native Portugal to her adopted home in the Netherlands, Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-nominated vocalist and composer Maria Mendes is no stranger to living between two different worlds. With her critically acclaimed 2019 album Close To Me, Mendes, whose praises have been sung by such legendary composers as Quincy Jones and Hermeto Pascoal, spotlighted her ability to bring diverse influences together in stunning fashion with her vibrant fusion of symphonic jazz and Portuguese Fado, the folk music of her homeland.

To date, Mendes has released four striking solo albums – Along the Road (2012), Innocentia (2015), Close To Me (2019) and Saudade, Colour Of Love (2022) – and thrilled audiences around the world, from small clubs to grand stages including the world-renowned Concertgebouw in Amsterdam as well as the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals. She had the honor of being the first Portuguese artist to headline New York City’s iconic Blue Note Jazz Club, as well as being the first female Portuguese artist to garner a Grammy nomination.

In 2022 Maria Mendes released the album Saudade, Color of Love. Recorded live with a full ensemble of the Metropole Orchestra as well as special guest John Beasley, the album is an undeniable testament to her incomparable stage presence. Shortly after its release the album received praise from influential media outlets like Downbeat, Jazziz and many more. 2023 will see Mendes touring with her quartet, giving the repertoire on Saudade, Color of Love a new and exciting dimension that promises to captivate listeners around the world.