Jazziz praised Brazilian guitarist Badi Assad (pronounced Bah-Jee Ah-Sahje) as "a virtuoso of the highest order" while Guitar Player pegged her as "fearless!" Wonderland, her second for Deutsche Grammophone is not only an album fantasy and hope; it is also a plea for some sanity in this insane world of ours.

The CD touches on many taboo topics including rape, prejudice, child prostitution and loss of cultural identity. Assad beautifully puts her own stamp on Tori Amos' "Black Dove" and oozes sensuality on "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics.

The album also features special guest Seu Jorge on "Vacilão" as well as members of the Assad clan on many tracks. In her liner notes Badi stated; "Wonderland is a place where everything seems to make sense, even the impossible.

" With a voice as hypnotic as hers, it is easy to get lost in the melody and be taken to a far away place where peace is not only a wish but a reality!After honing her craft as a vocalist, Badi released Solo in 1994 on independent label Chesky making her a force to be reckoned with in the guitar world.

Her international fame grew with the 1995 release of Rhythms which was voted "Best Classical Album of the Year" by Guitar Player's Reader's Poll while the editors voted her "Best Acoustic Fingerstyle Player.

" Badi's first major label record, Chameleon, was released in 1997 on Verve Records to much critical acclaim. After taking some time for herself back in Brazil, 2003 proved to be an exciting year with the release of Three Guitars on Chesky Records which she recorded with two amazing guitar players- Larry Coryell and John Abercrombie.

Getting back to her solo career, Badi's edge/Deutsche Grammophon debut Verde was released in September 2005 to much praise. Global Rhythm stated Badi's vocals were luscious" and the album was "exquisite.

" Of her live show, The Los Angeles Times thought Assad was "mesmerizing." Badi's two brothers, Sérgio Assad and Odair Assad are also renowned guitarists and musicians.