They met in Brazil and performed in Turkey before bringing their original blend of samba, jazz, bossa nova, flamenco and more home to Charlottesville.
Guitarist Humberto Sales and vocalist Madeline Holly-Sales perform as Beleza, a duo taking its name from a warm Portuguese greeting that means “beauty” and acknowledges agreement and affirmation and beauty. Together, they share a habit-forming style of song that has been dubbed “funkalicious samba soul.”
Beleza is featured in The Daily Progress’ second installment of Sessions, a new video series presented by the Wayne Theatre that explores facets of the vibrant arts scene that makes the Charlottesville area so special.
Behind the husband-and-wife team’s vibrant sound is a love story that unites cultures and happy crowds and reflects Charlottesville’s capacity for welcoming a world of influences.
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Charlottesville-based ‘funkalicious samba soul’ band Beleza comprises guitarist Humberto Sales and his wife and vocalist Madeline Holly-Sales.
Holly-Sales, who sings in Portuguese, English and Spanish, was studying and singing in Brazil in 2002 when she met native guitarist Sales, whose formal studies were in classical guitar and Spanish flamenco. They soon discovered a shared love for heartfelt music — salsa, soul, blues, bossa nova and more — and the creative nourishment of being surrounded by nature.
Beleza often performs as a duo, adding percussion, keyboards and loops for texture and richness but keeping its focus on the vivid interplay of vocals and guitar. At other times, they play in a band setting.
Beleza’s albums include “Time to Dream,” “Cookin’ with Flavour” and “Just for Fun.” Among the Saleses’ singles are “Tangos del Alma,” “Sunshine on a Saturday,” “Baiao Samba” and “When You’re Awake.”
Local audiences frequently hear Beleza at the Bebedero, Glass House Winery and other venues. At Bebedero, Sales also performs in biweekly “Latin Guitar Night” shows with Matt Wyatt and in weekly Thursday evenings of gipsy rumba, Latin and Cuban rhythms with fellow guitarist Vincent Zorn.
Both musicians also teach private lessons and workshops to help others gain confidence and find joy in mastering new rhythms, grounding themselves in solid performance techniques and exploring musical possibilities.
Sessions, presented by the Wayne Theatre, is a monthly feature that profiles artists of all concentrations across Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Have an artist that you think should sit down for a session? Email your nomination to Daily Progress features editor Jane Sathe at [email protected].
Jane Sathe
Features Editor
