"João Luiz, an exceptional Brazilian classical guitarist, collaborated closely with me in the creation of 24 studies for classical guitar, each artfully reflecting the diverse styles of 24 composers spanning over a century of Brazilian music. Though dedicated coaching, we meticulously shaped and refined interpretations for each piece. João's innate understanding of the idiomatic nuances within these musical styles, rooted in his Brazilian heritage, made this creative journey seamless and his accomplishments truly impeccable. This collection traverses the musical landscape from Chiquinha Gonzaga, a pioneering female composer of paramount significance, to the works of contemporary composers in the 20th century, showing João Luiz's exceptional talent and commitment to preserving Brazil's rich musical heritage."
SÉRGIO ASSAD, GUITARIST AND COMPOSER  (BRAZIL)

"... Mr. Luiz gave a fastidious but deeply felt reading of Leo Brouwer's Pieza sin Titulo."
ALLAN KOZINN, NEW YORK TIMES (USA)
 
"Sonata Cubana was dedicated to excellent guitarist João Luiz who asked me for it. I have a special affection for him as well as admiration for his enormous talent and love for music, better to say "the musics," because he is a consumer and researcher of all of them, including the popular. His special sound and professionalism motivated me greatly to make my seventh sonata for this instrument. I composed it in two phases. Initially, the first three movements (completed on March 26, 2021) and after some time, João asked me to complete it with a fourth tempo (finished on May 9, 2022) which I did following his request to recreate the Changüi. Therefore, this sonata includes popular Cuban genres such as Son, Changüi, Rumba and elements of the dance music of my country. We have been connected in recent years in various recording projects with my work, such as a monograph of music for 2 guitars, projects creating new pieces such as Los guardians de la mania (2019) for guitar, in addition chamber music concerts; as most recently with the world premiere of Sonatas de la Meditación (2020) for guitar and ensemble (commissioned by Intersection and Global Education Center, Nashville). It is really very difficult for me to talk or write about my music. I prefer to compose it and not to explain it. Thanks to João for encouraging these projects in favor of the guitar repertoire in the 21st century and promoting my music in particular."
LEO BROUWER, COMPOSER (CUBA)

"João Luiz is one of the musicians that fate presented to me as a partner, springboard, or catapult so that my music, through his flowing point of view, evolves from wherever I am to another environment, representation, history, or variation of place where I decide to reside. I will always be grateful to him and all the other 'partners' who made true the realization of the dream, the reality, the purpose."
EGBERTO GISMONTI, GUITARIST, PIANIST, COMPOSER (BRAZIL)