Dutch singer Josee Koning: leading lady in Brazilian music

Dutch singer Josee Koning has built an extraordinary career bridging Dutch and Brazilian music. She has collaborated with the world’s finest musicians, and is continuously exploring new ways to express her love for bossa nova and beyond. Josee worked with some of Brazil’s most renowned musicians, like Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, and João Bosco. Her latest album, Doce Presença (2024), is another milestone in her inspiring journey.

Early Career & Passion for Brazilian Music

Josee’s love for Brazilian music led her to co-found the Brazilian fusion group Batida in 1980. Batida recorded three albums, performed internationally, and played at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival. After studying at the Amsterdam Conservatorium and furthering her studies in Rio de Janeiro, Josee became a teacher of Brazilian music at conservatories in both Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Key Albums & Collaborations

Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim (1995) –Start of a solo career

Josee’s solo career took off in 1995 with her debut album, Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. She had met Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio, and he personally invited her to do an album together. Sadly, before they could record, Jobim passed away.
Determined to honor his legacy, she recorded Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim with Jobim’s close friend Dori Caymmi in Los Angeles. The album was widely praised internationally.
In April 1996, Dori Caymmi invited Josee to perform with him, his father Dorival, his sister Nana and singer Gal Costa at the Heineken Festival in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

Dois Mundos (1998) – First collaboration with Ivan Lins

Dori Caymmi came to the Netherlands in October 1998 to produce and arrange Josee’s second solo album, Dois Mundos. Brazilian singer-songwriter Ivan Lins participated as a guest, marking their first collaboration. The album featured several duets of Josee and Ivan, and was released successfully in the Netherlands and Brazil.
One of the album’s tracks, Coração Vagabundo, was featured in the Brazilian telenovela Seus Olhos, aired by Brazilian broadcaster SBT.

Recorded in Rio (2004) – A stronger bond with Ivan Lins

Playing a leading role in her third album, Recorded in Rio, Ivan Lins continued to be an integral part of Josee’s musical journey. The album was produced by renowned Uruguayan guitarist Leonardo Amuedo, and recorded in the famous Discover Studio in Rio de Janeiro. It featured top Brazilian musicians, like drummer Teo Lima and accordion wizard Sivuca.

Verdronken Vlinder (2005) – A Tribute to her late husband

In 2005, Josee recorded again in Rio de Janeiro, this time in her native language, Dutch. The album, Verdronken Vlinder (Drowned Butterfly), was a tribute to her first husband, Lennaert Nijgh, a famous Dutch songwriter who passed away in 2002.
The album blended Dutch lyrics with Brazilian harmonies and rhythms, resulting in a fresh and emotional musical experience. It was highly successful in the Netherlands and demonstrated how music can transcend language barriers when performed with sincerity and soul.

Bem Brasileiro (2006) – Brazilian excellence & Edison Award nominations

The album Bem Brasileiro was recorded in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo with Nosso Trio, a group of extraordinary Brazilian musicians: guitarist Nelson Faria, bassist Ney Conceição and drummer Kiko Freitas. Moreover it features legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter João Bosco.
After the album’s release, Josee toured with Nosso Trio in Brazil and the Netherlands.
Bem Brasileiro was nominated twice for the Dutch Edison Award, a major recognition in the Netherlands.

Who’s the Bossa? (2008–2014) – Bossa Nova meets chamber music

In 2008, Josee celebrated 50 years of bossa nova with a special musical project in the Netherlands. She invited some of the best international musicians, including Nosso Trio, Swiss master cellist Daniel Pezzotti, and Dutch pianist Hans Vroomans. Together they founded the group Who’s the Bossa?. Theyperformed in The Netherlands and Switzerland, captivating audiences with their enchanting music, a mixture of bossa nova and chamber music.
In 2014, the group released their first album, The Chamber Music Project. It was a Brazilian chamber music experiment, performed in an intimate setting without bass and drums, mixing classic Brazilian songs with new compositions.

Doce Presença (2024) – A true bossa nova atmosphere

In April 2024, Josee released her latest album, Doce Presença, produced by Ivan Lins. The album is a result of many years of friendship between Josee and Ivan Lins. It also features pianist Hans Vroomans and guitarist Leonardo Amuedo. Ivan Lins describes the album as “delicate, intimate, melodic, soft, sweet, and peaceful, with a bossa nova atmosphere”.

Josee Koning – Key Themes & Achievements

Deep Connection to Brazilian Music – Lifelong passion for Brazilian rhythms, collaborating with amongst others, Tom Jobim, Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi and João Bosco.
Bridging Cultures – Successfully blending Brazilian and Dutch influences in her music.
Award Nominations – Bem Brasileiro received two Edison Award nominations.
International Recognition – Performed at major festivals and venues, including North Sea Jazz Festival and Heineken Festival in Brazil.
Innovative Musical Projects – Led pioneering projects like Batida and Who’s the Bossa?, blending Brazilian music, jazz and chamber music.

Discography

Doce Presença (Zennez 2024) featuring Ivan Lins
Testament (2022) Lennaert Nijgh 75 jaar, Jim de Groot en Josee Koning
Verloren en Gevonden (Lost and found) previously unreleased lyrics by Lennaert Nijgh with new music (2018)
The Chamber Music Project, Who’s the Bossa? (Music&Words, 2014)
Bem Brasileiro, (Coast to Coast, 2007)
Verdronken Vlinder, (Artist&Company, 2005)
Recorded in Rio (Brigadoon Vocal/Sony Music, 2003)
Dois Mundos (Challenge, 1999 – Holland; Seven Music, 2002 – Brazil)
Josee Koning e Grupo, live at Nick Vollebregt’s café (1997 – Radio Netherlands)
Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim (Columbia, 1995)

with BATIDA

Live in Caprera, dvd live show 2006
Tudo Bem (Polydor, 1992)
Terra do Sul (Timeless, 1987)
Batida (Timeless, 1983)