“(…) Brazilian Artur Menezes has made serious waves in the blues community ever since he released his debut album in 2010. His playing is a distinctive blend of fiery, hard-rocking blues that at times borders on shred, combined with an ability to effortlessly switch gears into swinging, jazz grooves. His Brazilian roots add a unique flavor to the mix and further distinguish his playing from that of his contemporaries. Menezes' songwriting sparkles as it switches between straight-ahead blues and funk-flavored workouts, and his vocals channel the deep emotional content of his songs as effectively as his guitar playing. Fading Away, Menezes' latest album (produced by Josh Smith and featuring a guest appearance from Joe Bonamassa), was a serious step up in both writing and playing. Its arrival laid down a clear marker for his place among the front-runners of the new breed of blues guitar heroes." (GuitarPlayer Magazine Top 25 Best New Blues Guitarists 2023).

 

Based in Los Angeles, Artur has been touring the US consistently. When not headlining, he’s supporting Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Eric Gales and Kingfish. He also tours Europe and Brazil annually. When not touring, he teaches guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA. ​

 

In 2024, besides his headline dates in the US, Europe and Brazil, Artur will be joining the “Experience Hendrix Tour” in the United States and will be opening for Buddy Guy in a couple of dates. He’s also currently writing new songs to be recorded soon. 

 

​In 2023, Menezes performed for the second time at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival sharing the stage with Kingfish and Grace Bowers. He was also one of the headlines of the Best Of Blues and Rock Festival in Brazil alongside Buddy Guy, Steve Vai and others. First time was in 2019 after winning the Grand Prize in a contest promoted by Ernie Ball.

 

In 2022 and 2021, Artur toured Europe and South America, playing Festivals and Clubs in Germany, France, Ireland, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Estonia and Brazil. Artur won the Gibson/Albert King Award for Best Guitarist by the Blues Foundation and scored 3rd place at the 2018 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

 

In 2020, Artur Menezes got his Green Card granted by the US based on his recognition and efforts on promoting the Blues. Artur has been touring the US since 2016 playing festivals such as Dallas Guitar Festival, Doheny Blues Festival, Walla Walla Guitar Festival among others.

 

In 2017, Artur shared the stage with Joe Satriani in a festival in Brazil for a 20 thousand people audience. 8 years ago, when he was still living in Brazil, Artur was the headline of numerous festivals. He toured Europe and UK, Mexico and Argentina. In 2012, Artur played the opening shows for Buddy Guy in his South American tour in Brazil.

 

As an educator, Artur teaches guitar at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA and has online courses and masterclasses with TrueFire, JamPlay, JTC and Pickup Music. Concerned about disseminating and expanding access to blues in Brazil, Artur was one of the founders of the society "Casa do Blues" (House Of Blues), which promotes weekly shows with free admissions, workshops and lectures about the Blues. He remained on the board of the project until early 2013.

 

Artur was a speaker at TEDx,, an annual event licensed by TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) in 2013, where personalities share their experiences and knowledge in presentations broadcast live on the Internet and later released on video, the TEDTalks accessible to billions of people worldwide.