Marcos Ariel is in the forefront of contemporary Brazilian music. His musical style is purely “Carioca” (one who is a native of Rio de Janeiro) splashed with a passion for Classical, Brazilian Jazz and New Age music. His enthusiasm as a pianist, flutist and composer is inspiring. As a musician, he is swift and precise transcending genuine warmth that can only be Marcos Ariel. At a tender age of seven he began studying piano and by 1971 he was studying the flute in the School of Music of the Brazilian Symphonic Orchestra. He was also a professional actor with the Guanabara Youth Theatre. He eventually returned to music performing with a group of musicians and singers playing a Brazilian music style called “Choro” or “Chorinho”. Marcos Ariel’s history and discography have always shown a forward thinking and desire to blend the eclectic approach to the numerous indigenous rhythms of his homeland with all music styles from all over the World. The first album released in the USA was “Terra do Indio” on WEA, and soon thereafter it broke national radio ground in 1989. Other releases followed; “Zil” (Polygram), “Rhapsody in Rio” and “Hand Dance” (Nova Records), “Soul Song” (Tonga Productions), “My Only Passion” and “Magic Eyes” (Paras Recordings). Also by the label Paras Recordings released the albums Conversations with Angels 2 and Enchanted Falls that happened to have their tracks played in all the FMs of New Age Music as well as in several airlines music programs by the entire Planet. After launching their albums with songs to help in meditation, relaxation and healing, Marcos Ariel realized that the effect of the compositions influenced the environment of the house, including the pets that were very calm and began to sleep. Marcos Ariel met with producer, arranger and sound engineer Marco Antônio to record the album with the thought that pets are like angels and faithful friends always to protect us. During recordings in the studio of producer Marco Antônio the two dogs of the house always came near the pianist Marcos Ariel, lay near their feet and slept throughout the period of recording. Always at the end of each session Marcos Ariel and Marco Antonio feel that the environment was harmonized with the music that was recorded. They could feel that the whole house entered a vibration of easy atmosphere that brought much peace and calm. This fact that happened every day in the studio and helped to enhance the mood of compositions and arrangements. The project "The Soul of Pets"will harmonize your home environment and bring peace, calm and relief to the day-to-day tensions in your life. Marcos Ariel believes that pets have Soul that is in tune with all the good energies of the Universe and thus help us by always being our faithful friends. "...Ariel's unique musical phrasing are played out stylishly employing classical keyboard technique and very 'Brazilian' ideas have a sensibility steeped in Rio brew that combines 'Choro' with Chopin..." Mark Holston Jazziz Magazine "...Ariel's compositions bring out best in Brazilian beat..." "...Marcos Ariel the Brazilian pianist whose luch sense of phrasing comes with a feel that's at once sensitive and impressionistic..." Bill Kohlhaase LA Weekly