National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Born in Argentina and raised in Mexico, vocalist Mili Bermejo's lilting songs are reminiscent of the best work of Astrud Gilberto. For the last 20 years, as a singer, composer, and Berklee College of Music professor, Bermejo has transcended the borders between cultures and musical genres. By adding authentic Latin folk music, classical ideas, and beautiful storytelling to the diverse musical tapestry that includes Dizzy Gillespie's Afro-Cuban music and Abbey Lincoln's social awareness, she has created her own brand of eclectic jazz. Called the place "where jazz meets Latin with elegance and soul" by critic Bob Blumenthal, her inclusive music breaks new ground while lovingly honoring rich musical traditions of the past.

The daughter of Mexican composer Guillermo Bermejo and his Argentinean tango singer wife, Luz, Mili's blood already contained the wealth of two musical cultures at birth. She was born in Buenos Aires, but raised in the socially and artistically diverse environment of Mexico City, where she grew up internalizing the music and political statements made by the Argentineans, Chileans, Brazilians and Uruguayans who fled bloody dictatorships at home. This cultural mix, interaction between artists of different disciplines, and commitment to tolerance in the Mexican artistic community following the revolution in Cuba and Mexico City's massacre in 1968, laid the groundwork for her diverse style and dedication to the social responsibility of the artist.

Mili's sextet was born out of two fortuitous reunions, one with fellow Berklee alum, guitarist and composer Claudio Ragazzi, and the other with the beautiful Argentinean musical tradition passed on by her mother. Mili never considered revisiting her Argentinean roots until the Argentinean-born Ragazzi came calling one day looking for lyrics for three new songs. Those songs blossomed into a whole album: Mili's recording, Pienso el Sur. Mili and her husband, Dan Greenspan, are also featured on the compilation Latin Lullaby.

— Courtesy Calabash Music