Although they were born and grew up in the same neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, they met for the first time on the day after Villela moved to the Bay Area in 1984. Occasional gigs together gradually grew into an artistic partnership through which they have developed a body of compositions utilizing the voice and guitar in a dynamic variety of roles, textures and moods. While deeply connected to their Brazilian roots, their music transcends its language to express a unique and original point of view.

This work has fully blossomed with their new CD, “Inverse Universe,” recently described by Latin Beat Magazine as “New Millennium Brazilian music. Brilliant.” With a dazzling array of grooves created by Peixoto's beautifully crafted, multi-textured acoustic instrumental arrangements, the album perfectly captures the poetic communicative power of Villela's gorgeous voice. Recorded in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Rio, it features an impressive cast of musicians, including harmonica legend Toots Thielemans.

"On Inverse Universe Claudia Villela and Ricardo Peixoto have given us a wonderful collection of exotically beautiful and moving music. Their incredible talents continue to amaze!" - Michael Brecker

"This thoroughly beguiling album sidesteps the programmed beats and special effects of trendy Brazilian pop in favor of straightforward (albeit highly sophisticated) post-bossa musicality in the vein of Gismonti and ascimento" - San Francisco Bay Guardian

"Inverse Universe will gain Villela and Peixoto the national audience they deserve" - East Bay Express