She started her musical career singing in a "comedy" directed by the award winning Gabriel Villela.
Besides her music studies in São Paulo, Mônica has recorded and performed with important Brazilian artists like Edu Lobo, Eduardo Gudin, José Miguel Wisnik, Marlui Miranda, Guinga, Nelson Ayres and the Jazz Symphonic Orchestra of São Paulo.
She was one of the soloists on the album CANÇÕES DE NINAR by Paulo Tatit and Sandra Peres. The CD won Brasil's "Prêmio Sharp - 95" as Best Recording for Children.
In 1995 she recorded AFRO SAMBAS, a voice and guitar album, arranged and produced by Brazilian guitarist Paulo Bellinati. The CD premiered the complete Afro-Sambas by Baden Powell and Vinícius de Moraes, including the famous Berimbau and Consolação; released in US and Europe by GSP (Guitar Solo Publication) Records.
In the same year, recorded with Paulo Bellinati the song "A Felicidade" by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes for one Brazilian Jobim's song book by Lumiar Records.
In 1997, she was nominated for Prêmio Sharp - 97 as Best New Singer on Brazilian Popular Music with the Cd AFRO SAMBAS.
In 1998 she recorded her first solo Cd TRAMPOLIM - Pau Brasil Music (in Brazil) and Bluejackel Records (in USA) produced by Rodolfo Stroeter. The cd features some of the most creative musicians in Brazilian contemporary music such as Nana Vasconcelos, Teco Cardoso, Paulo Bellinati, among others.
In May of 1999, Monica Salmaso won the Visa-Mastercard-Eldorado Prize for best singer in Brazil among 1.200 contestants, all over the country. The prize has earned attention over Monica's talent and career, and during august/september 99 she recorded for Eldorado records, her third album.
VOADEIRA is also produced by Rodolfo Stroeter. The album has been qualified by the press, as one of the best releases of 99 in Brazilian Popular Music. "Voadeira" features Marcos Suzano, Benjamim Taubkin, Naylor "Proveta", Toninho Ferragutti and Paulo Bellinati, among others.
Also in 1999 Mônica was awarded as the “best singer” from Brazil. The prize was conceded by APCA – (Associação Paulista dos Críticos de Arte), and it is particularly important as it is given by a poll of the most important Brazilian press community .
Since 1998, Monica also sings with the Orquestra Popular de Câmara - a 12 piece band - that blends the Brazilian musical heritage along with the personal contribution of each one of the renowned soloist of the group.
In 2004, she has released her fourth cd IAIÁ by the label Biscoito Fino (in Brazil), released in USA and Europe by Harmonia Mundi.
Took an important part as a singer in the movie “Vinicius” about the life and work of Vinicius de Morais, directed by Miguel Faria Jr
Took part in the most recent cd recorded by Chico Buarque, "Carioca", singing the song “Imagina” composed by Chico Buarque and Tom Jobim.
Is rehearsing to record her 5th cd that is to be launched in April 2007.
Trampolim
Mônica Salmaso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bate no tambor de onde vens
Só de ser quem és inventa o amor
Só de ser quem és inventa o amor
Sem dizer palavra
Pobre coração mergulhador, ai de mim
Beira de que mar eu ancorei
Se for pedir perdão, já perdoei
Pode se alegrar
The opening line "Põe os pés no chão e toca o ar trampolim" translates to "Put your feet on the ground and touch the air trampoline." This lyric sets the tone for the rest of the song which is all about embracing one's identity and taking risks. The trampoline can be seen as a metaphor for taking a leap of faith and trusting that everything will turn out alright. The imagery of touching the air on a trampoline suggests flying, which is also a nod to the idea of not being afraid to take risks and to fully embrace life.
The second line, "Bate no tambor de onde vens" which translates to "Bang on the drum where you come from," represents the importance of acknowledging and embracing one's roots. The beat of the drum represents the rhythm of the culture and the sense of identity which should be held onto closely.
The line "Só de ser quem és inventa o amor, sem dizer palavra" which can be translated to "Only by being who you are can you create love, without saying a word" emphasizes the idea that self-love and self-acceptance are essential elements for finding and creating love. By being true to oneself, love will follow. It is not necessary to say anything because being authentic will naturally attract those who appreciate and love that authenticity.
In the second half of the song, Mônica Salmaso sings about a "poor diving heart" which is "anchored on the brink of a sea". This line could refer to a broken heart, one that has reached the depths of sadness, but is now finding its way back to the surface. The singer has already forgiven this heart, and urges it to rejoice again.
Overall, Trampolim is a song about finding oneself, embracing one's roots and identity, taking risks and finding love in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
Põe os pés no chão e toca o ar trampolim
Ground yourself and use the air as a springboard to propel yourself forward
Bate no tambor de onde vens
Acknowledge and honor your roots and cultural heritage
Só de ser quem és inventa o amor
By simply being yourself, you have the power to create love
Sem dizer palavra
Without even speaking
Pobre coração mergulhador, ai de mim
My poor heart is like a deep sea diver, struggling and in pain
Beira de que mar eu ancorei
What shore did I anchor myself to?
Se for pedir perdão, já perdoei
If you're going to ask for forgiveness, I've already forgiven you
Pode se alegrar
You can be happy now
Contributed by Jeremiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.