BIO
San Francisco-based vocalist, songwriter and producer Masha Campagne has been captivating audiences across the US and beyond with her rich, sun-dappled voice, with “come-hither intonations and dreamy sensuality” (Raul da Gama). A carioca at heart, celebrated for her “delicious Brazilian jazz sound” (Andrew Gilbert) breaks out with a passionate love letter to Brazil releasing her fourth studio album, Alegre Menina. Collaborating with luminaries such as Ricardo Peixoto, Lula Galvão, Rafael Barata, Campagne is blending rich tradition with her signature warmth and artistry.
Campagne majored in classical cello and piano at renowned Gnessin State Musical College in Russia. Jazz and Brazilian music found her early, thanks to her grandfather Matvey Fayans, a celebrated wind player whose love for the genre defied Soviet-era restrictions. Whether attending his performances with legendary Metropole Orkest or exploring his LP collection, she was shaped by icons like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tom Jobim. “My grandfather was a true jazz musician and a bit of a rebel,” Campagne recalls. “He defied the communist system in the 1950s by playing so-called ‘bourgeois’ American music. His audacity and deep love for jazz embodied the very spirit of freedom that shaped me into the artist I am today.”
At the turn of the century, Campagne escaped post coup Russia, moving to San Francisco with little more than a dream. She studied extensively with brazilian fusion luminary Marcos Silva, later teaming up with gifted guitarist Simon Butler for her debut EP, Cantando um Samba (2002). Featuring soulful renditions of gems by Joyce, Horta, and Jobim, Campagne honed out her signature lilting sound receiving early praise & recognition. Winning 1st prize in prestigious DownBeat Student Music Award with vocal group Fanfares soon found her gracing the world-class stages of Yoshi’s, Kuumbwa, and Monterey Jazz.
In pivotal collaboration with brilliant Rio-raised pianist/composer Weber Iago (aka Jasnam Daya Singh) Caminhos Cruzados (2007), Campagne released a genre-bending Brazilian chamber jazz collection of songs & medleys from the likes of Djavan, Porter, Guinga and Jobim. The critically acclaimed release received wide national radio airplay, charting on Jazzweek’s TOP 50. “Blending wistfulness of Astrud Gilberto with liquidity of Flora Purim” (JazzTimes) Campagne demonstrates “hip and venturous command of Brazilian-jazz vernacular” (Ejazznews).
Marking an artistic evolution with Like Water, Like Air (2012), Campagne collaborated with visionary guitarist/composer Guinga and vibes/harmonica master Hendrik Meurkens. Co-produced with Weber Iago, the album showcased Campagne as a songwriter, featuring her lyrical depth and arranging gift. With cameos by famed percussionists Guello & Michael Spiro the album swings infectiously, bringing concert and festival engagements on both East and West Coasts at Zinc Bar, SJ Jazz Fest, Healdsburg Jazz. Campagne’s evocative approach is reaching new levels of recognition in 2019, when she sold out SFJAZZ Hotplate tribute shows honoring Tom Jobim and Elis Regina’s iconic 1974 LP Elis & Tom.
With her fourth studio album dropping in spring 2025, Campagne returns with deeply personal tributes to great songwriters and iconic singers of Brazil. Her heartfelt renditions of compositions by Veloso, Caymmi, and Guinga, effectively convey the concept of ‘saudade’. Her Brazilian-inspired originals capture the soul of Rio—its rhythms, its passion, and its people. Alegre Menina is bound to hit the top Jazz Charts, solidifying Campagne’s unique space in the world of Brazilian and jazz music.
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