Joyce Moreno

Joyce Moreno

Joyce Moreno, also known as Joyce or Joyce Silveira Moreno, is a Brazilian singer, composer, acoustic guitarist, arranger and producer from Rio de Janeiro. She is identified with bossa nova and MPB, and her work also sits within singer-songwriter traditions.

Career and style

Moreno is noted for using the feminine first person in her writing from early in her career, and is described as the first female Brazilian composer to do so in the history of MPB. This approach becomes a defining feature of her work and influences later female composers in Brazilian popular music.

Recordings and influence

Her catalogue is extensive, with 34 solo CDs and two DVDs, alongside compilations and guest appearances. Around 400 recordings of her songs appear in the repertory of major Brazilian artists including Gal Costa, Maria Bethânia, Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Ney Matogrosso, Edu Lobo, Emílio Santiago, Boca Livre, Mônica Salmaso, Leny Andrade, Nana Caymmi, Zizi Possi, Elizeth Cardoso and Simone.

Her compositions are also recorded internationally by artists such as Annie Lennox, Wallace Roney, Omara Portuondo, Black Eyed Peas, David Sanchez, Jon Lucien, Claus Ogerman, Gerry Mulligan, Till Brönner and Flora Purim.

Film, television and international work

Her songs are used in film soundtracks, including Robert Altman’s The Player and Legally Blonde. She also contributes to animation, including the soundtrack for the Japanese anime Wolf's Rain, made in partnership with composer Yoko Kanno, as well as television and theatre productions.

She receives four Latin Grammy nominations. Her work continues on an international circuit, with performances in Japan, Europe, the United States and Canada, including annual appearances on the Blue Note circuit in Japan and jazz festival touring.