Nuno Mindelis
Born in Cabinda (Angola), Eastern Africa on Aug. 7, 1957, Nuno Mindelis became a guitar enthusiast at the very young age of 5. By the age of 9 he began building and playing self-made guitars. A primary influence at that time was Otis Redding and his great rhythm section, Booker T. & The MG's, made up of Booker T., Steve Cropper, Donald "Duck" Dunn, and Al Jackson. Nuno continues to enjoy the work of these musicians to this day.
Nuno joined an older cousin in Canada where they formed a band playing jams and local clubs. He remained there for about a year. In 1976, following a year of separation from his family, he decided to rejoin them in their newfound home of Brazil. Nothing eventful happened until 1990, when an independent recording he had made there began to receive airplay on local radio stations. In 1991 he was invited to record his debut solo album, "Blues & Derivados", which received very positive reviews in Brazilian media.
In 1992 he recorded his second solo album, "Long Distance Blues" for the "Movieplay Records" label. For this album Nuno was joined by Larry McCray, guitarist from Gary Moore's band, and French harp player J.J. Milteau. The album received rave reviews from Brazilian media. As part of his promotional tour for the album, Nuno was fortunate to gain a spot in a blues festival in Sao Paulo featuring Robert Cray, Otis Clay, Ronnie Earl, Lonnie Brooks, and Bo Diddley.
1994 saw Nuno's first known recognition by a major American music magazine. "Guitar Player Magazine" profiled Nuno in an issue. Further recognition came in their May, 1998 issue, as Nuno was selected as "Best Blues Guitarist".
In 1995 Nuno was invited to play at Antone's 20th Anniversary in Austin, Texas, opening for Guy Forsite, Junior Wells, and others. Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Storyville also performed at this event. The headlines of the Austin Blues newspaper warned of Nuno's forthcoming visit as "The South American Beast is coming!".
Later that year Nuno would record his album "Texas Bound", featuring newly made friends Tommy Shannon & Chris Layton, Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section supreme, "Double Trouble".
In 1999 Nuno released "Blues On The Outside". Again, rave reviews from the media. This time it seems that Nuno has a hit record in his hands.
Nuno is considered by the media and fans of his native Brazil as the best blues guitarist to ever come out of their beautiful country. His records are well played on radio stations as well as Brazilian MTV. Fans of British guitar legend Eric Clapton identify with graffiti once spray-painted on a London wall; "Clapton is God". In Brazil the graffiti says "Mindelis - Brazil's Guitar God!
:: Discography ::
2003 - Twelve Hours -
1999 - Blues on the Outside -
1996 - Texas Bound -
1992 - Long Distance Blues -
:: Contact ::
Website: http://www.nunomindelis.com
Email: contato@nunomindelis.com