Meet Luciano Mendonça, a Brazilian-born American musician whose bass grooves and multi-instrumental talent have captivated audiences with their versatility and soulful energy. Based in Tampa Bay, Luciano draws inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including pop/rock, jazz, soul, funk, fusion, and R&B. He believes that the quality of the music is what truly matters, and strives to create a sound that transcends classification.

Although Luciano first gained recognition as the bass player for Emmerson Nogueira’s Versao Acustica band in the early 2000s, his musical journey has taken him far beyond those early beginnings. 

He draws inspiration from jazz legends like Jaco, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller, as well as contemporary greats like Richard Bona, Victor Bailey, and Victor Wooten. But he also finds inspiration in unknown musicians whose sounds have touched his soul. Among his other musical influences are Paul McCartney, Sir George Martin, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, Michael Jaskon, Seal, Rush, Van Halen, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Yes, Bruce Springsteen, ​​Thin Lizzy, The Who, Talking Heads, Toto, Justin Timberlake, Robert Cray, Jeff Beck, Stanley Jordan, Jean-Luc Ponty, Lee Ritenour, and The Stones, to name a few.

With a gift for turning the simplest things into sublime musical moments, every sound in the universe is a potential bass line in Luciano’s hands. His music is a unique sonic tapestry that reflects his deep passion and love for the art of sound. Luciano also admires bass player Arthur Maia, guitar player Heitor Pereira, and one of his first bass tutors and long-time friend, Ricardo Ottoboni.

If you’re looking for a musician who defies categorization and creates music that speaks to the heart and soul, look no further than Luciano Mendonça.