"I am a doublebass/electricbass player currently living in Lisbon, trying to learn and play as much as I can. I'm teaching doublebass at the "Villas-Boas Jazz School" from the Hot Clube de Portugal.

Just released my first album as a leader called "Whatever It Is You're Seeking, Won't Come In The Form You're Expecting" for Sintoma Records.

Some of my projects are:

•My own band

feat. Luis Figueiredo piano ; Bruno Pedroso drums ; Ricardo Toscano sax ; Diogo Duque trumpet ; João Firmino and Afonso Pais guitar ; Luisa Sobral and Joana Espadinha vocals

•Nuno Ferreira

feat. Nuno Ferrira guitar ; Chris Kase trumpet ; João Mortagua alto sax ; Luis Cunha trombone ; Abe Rabade piano ; Joel Silva drums

•André Santos

feat. André Santos guitar ; Ricardo Toscano sax ; João Pereira drums

•João Firmino Trio

feat. João Firmino guitar ; Luis Candeias drums

•Luisa Sobral

feat. Luisa Sobral vocals ; João Salcedo piano ; Carlos Miguel drums

•Spyros Manesis Trio

feat. Spyros Manesis piano ; Kaspars Kurdeko drums

•João Firmino 5tet

feat. João Firmino guitar ; Desiderio Lazaro sax ; Oscar Graça piano ; Luis Candeias drums

•Mariana Norton

feat. Mariana Norton vocals ; Bruno Santos guitar ; Oscar Graça piano ; Luis Candeias drums

•Bruno Santos Ensemble

feat. Bruno Santos guitar ; Rodrigo Gonçalves piano ; Luis Candeias drums ; Jorge Reis alt/soprano sax ; Cesar Cardoso tenor sax ; Paulo Gaspar bass clarinete ; Gonçalo Marques trumpet ; Luis Cunha trombone ; Mariana Norton vocals.

I was born on a cold January 1986 morning in Lisbon...

Piano was my first try to get in touch with music when I was a kid living in the countryside of Alentejo but soon I found out that this was not my instrument but something else. It wasn't until my 16th easter that I got my first electric bass as a gift. A gift that changed my future as nothing else did before.

During this period I studied with Gregg Moore and Miguel Amado who taught me the fundamentals of electric bass playing as well as the masters of this instrument, but as soon as I finished High School I moved back to Lisbon to study jazz in the Hot Clube de Portugal "Luis Villas-Boas Jazz School".

When I turned 20 I found out that I couldn't express what I wanted with an electric bass and so I decided to learn double bass with Nelson Cascais as a teacher.

One year later I moved to Holland to study in the Amsterdam Conservatory, with 3 great teachers: Franz van der Hoeven, Arnold Dooyawerd and Ernst Glerum and I graduated in June 2010 with 9 out of 10.

During the period I studied in Amsterdam I got the 3rd Prize in the "Bucharest International Jazz Competition" and went to the semi-finals of the "Keep an Eye Jazz Award 2009" - nothing really came out of it, but I met some great people on the way. Recently I won the "Premio Jovens Musicos 2011" jazz combo category with Ricardo Toscano Quartet.

I had the opportunity to play in some major jazz Festivals around the world like London Jazz Festival (UK), Cully Jazz (switzerland) , Den Hague Jazz Festival, Jazz Ahead (germany) IJ Jazz Festival, Breda Jazz Festival, Meer Jazz festival, Trytone Jazz Festival, (Holland), Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona, Festival de Jazz de Cartagena, Europa Fest (Romania), Sudoeste TMN, CoolJazzFest, Festa de Jazz do S.Luis, Festival de Valado dos Frades, Jazz no Castelo, Seixal Jazz (Portugal).

I had the pleasure to learn with John Clayton, Larry Grenadier, Reuben Rogers, Ben Street and Clemens Van der Feen.

I'm currently beeing taught by Alejandro Oliva."

"Pedro Branco is a Portuguese guitar player now residing in Amsterdam. Born in Lisbon, he has studied with some of the finest jazz musicians on the portuguese scene (André Fernandes, Afonso Pais, Mário Delgado, Demian Cabaud, Gonçalo Marques, Desidério Lázaro) and participated in several workshops and masterclasses (Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Goldberg, Dave Holland, Matt Renzi, David Doruzka, Peter Bernstein).

Graduated from the Universidade Lusíada de Lisboa in 2013, he has participated in many projects, not only in jazz (Pedro Branco Quartet, Reflections Trio, Jorge Moniz, Then They Flew, Oh! Calcutta!), and has played in such venues as the Hot Club of Lisbon, Café Tati, Fábrica Braço de Prata, Bacalhoeiro and many others. In 2013 he received a distinction during "Festa do Jazz São Luiz" for "Best Instrumentalist". In the following year he was asked to join the "Jacob Sacks Ensemble" led by the renowned pianist from New York for a concert in the same festival, "Festa do Jazz São Luiz 2014", where he returns now in 2015 with his own group, "Pedro Branco Trio", formed by two of the best portuguese jazz musicians (Demian Cabaud and Marcos Cavaleiro).

Now studying at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he could study with people like Maarten van der Grinten, Martijn Van Iterson or Rob van Bavel, have masterclasses with names like Miguel Zenon, Gilad Hekselman, Mark Turner, Lage Lund, Branford Marsalis, Avishai Cohen or Ambrose Akinmusire and started new projects such as the new post-rock/noise band called Oh! Calcutta!, featuring Dario Trapani (guitar), Valdimar Olgeirsson (bass) and Tristan Renfrow (drums). Their debut EP "The Greatess Story Ever Told" is going to be released still in the 23th of February of 2016.

​ In 2015 he puts together his own project as a leader - Pedro Branco Quartet - with Allison Philips (trumpet), João Hasselberg (doublebass) and Luís Candeias (drums). They toured in Portugal in the summer of 2015 where they played in some of the most prestigious jazz clubs in Lisbon and recorded what is going to be the first record of the group. Also in 2015 he records three new records with different projects, all of them coming out in 2016.BRANCO | CUSTÓDIO | MONIZ is a trio formed by Branco with João Custódio on the doublebass and Jorge Moniz on the drums. Their first record is coming out with the portuguese label Sintoma Records. Also in 2016 is coming the first record of the duo BRANCO | LENCASTRE, a duo of improvised music with the drummer João Lencastre that explores all the musical possibilities of a power duo. They also perform in trio with the prestigious guitar player André Fernandes.

His latest project is a duo co-leaded with João Hasselberg. Their record is coming out in the fall of 2016 and is called "Dancing our Way to Death". The record had the participation of several guests such as Afonso Pais, Afonso Cabral (You Can't Win Charlie Brown), João Paulo Esteves da Silva, João Lencastre and Elina Silova.

In 2016 he starts a new artist-based collective called Flea Boy Records, together with four other upcoming musicians from different nationalities with the goal of putting their music out in the open and creating new ways of sharing their music with a larger audience."

"Saxophonist, renowned for his vigorous sound, melodic and abrupt phrasing, and great versatility in terms of musical styles, collaborates in numerous projects of the most diverse nature, from the most classic to the most contemporary and risky jazz, even in some of them closer to pop National or song author.

He began his musical training at the age of six with the violin as his main instrument. A few years later, by the hand of Professor Alfons Carrascosa, will change this by the tenor sax. After years of classical training at the Music School of Igualada and many others in modern music schools in Barcelona, ​​he continues his formative career at the Catalan School of Music where he receives classes from Eladio Reinon, Xavi Figarola, Dani Pérez, Agustí Fernández among others. He also moved to The Hague (Holland) to study for a year at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague with John Ruocco, graduating finally in 2007. During these years he also receives advice from Tony Malaby, Ellery Eskelin, Bill Mchenry, Perico Sambeat ..

Since 2011 leads su propio quartet Albert Cirera & Tres Tambor forming part también en proyectos as Duot, Agusti Fernandez Liquid Trio / Quintet, Free Art Ensemble, Landspace, Javier Galiana & the Spice berberechos, Wooookam, Triot, IED'8, Nelson Projecte, Free Orchestra Association, Esther Condal, El Petit de Cal Eril, etc, receiving with some of them prizes such as the AMJM (Association of Jazz Musicians and Modern Music of Catalonia) in 2011 to the best jazz group with Duot and also, That same year, the Enderrock prize of the critic to the best disc of jazz by "Vol.2 Mode Joe" of Nelson Project.

He has played and continues to do so with musicians like Joe Morris, David Mengual, Joe Smith, Agustí Fernandez, Johannes Nästesjö, Massa Kamaguchi, Carlos Zingaro, Ulrich Mitzlaf, Dani Perez, Jaume Llombart, RJ Miller, David Soler, Celeste Alias, Alessandra Patrucco, Marc Egea, Tom Chant, Pablo Rega, Vasco Trilla, Olle Vikstrom, Julian Sánchez, Sonia Sanchez, etc., in various clubs and other jazz venues in the Iberian peninsula, Belgium, Hungary, Italy and Portugal as well as in festivals Jazz of Barcelona, ​​Vic, Tarrasa, Egido, Girona, Granollers, Banyoles, Lleida, Ibiza, Ezcaray, Sant Juan Evangelista, Hurta BCN color, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Skodra, Hungary), Noth Sea Jazz (Holland), Rocella Jonica (Italy) and Minde (Portugal).

He currently resides in Lisbon where he integrates into the eclectic music scene by playing and building new projects with musicians such as Hernani Faustino, Miguel Mira, Luis Vicente, Vasco Furtado, Fededico Pascucci, Marcelo Dos Reis, Marco Franco, Big Band Reunion, Francisco Andrade, Joao Lencastre or Gabriel Ferrandini."

"In 1995, Afonso Pais studied at the Hot Clube de Portugal. He joined the Big Band made by students and partners of H.C.P ("Big Villas Band"), where he was chosen to be school representative on the 8 th meeting of the "International Association of Schools of Jazz" (Siena, Italy, 1997).

He proceeded to go to study in the New School University/Mannes College of Music, New York. On December 2000, he graduated with a degree in Performance in the program of "Jazz and Contemporary Music".

The first work of Afonso was "Terranova" a record which came out through Trem Azul/Clean Feed. This group features Carlos Barreto (double bass) and Alexandre Frazão (drums). Edu Lobo wrote a laudatory text as an introduction to the album.

His second work was "Subsequências", again with Carlos Barreto, Alexandre Frazão and Edu lobo (voice). The project was presented in Culturgest (Lisbon), Festival de Jazz do Valado de Frades (2006) and at the principal room of Teatro São Luiz (Lisbon, 2007).

In 2010, the musician released "Fluxorama" (JACC Records) with Albert Sanz and RJ Miller."

"Born in Lisbon in 1961, pianist mother. Started very early his musical studies at the Academy of Santa Cecilia, starting immediately on piano. Later, he joined the National Conservatory, where in 1984 he received the diploma Advanced Course in Piano with full marks. With a scholarship from the Secretary of State for Culture, moves immediately to Paris. Then, for three years, deepening his studies at the Conservatoire de Rueil-Malmaison and successively obtained the highest distinctions - Medaille d'Or, Prix Jacques Dupont, Prix d 'Excellence and the Prix Perfectionement.

After his studies, stays in Paris for four years, giving many recitals in France and the U.S., among which are those of New York (Carni Hall in 1986 and Carnegie Hall in 1989). However, when leaving Portugal in 1984 to halt an already extensive activity in jazz and popular music area. The first public reflection that comes his musical activity in 1979, with the participation of the group Fifth Crescent in Cascais Jazz Festival 79. Luis Caldeira (saxophone), Laurent Philippe (trumpet), Peter Wallenstein (bass) and José Martins (drums) made this training, which still lingers in the memory of many people. In addition to John Paul (piano). Between 1979 and 1981, with the bassist and drummer José Eduardo Martins, form one famous trio at the time, it has developed concerts and served as the basis for monitoring the numerous foreign musicians. It is also from this period his work as a professor at the School of Jazz Hot Club of Portugal.

In the field of popular music, also this time, participates as a pianist accompanist in numerous discs national artists. Noteworthy is his collaboration with Fausto ('For this upstream'), José Mário Branco ('be supportive') and Sérgio Godinho. It was with the latter that has developed a more intense work: accompanied him in performances and worked primarily as a musician (1981), the 'Corner of mouth ' album, later (1983) being the arranger and musical director for the album 'Coincidences' in 1992, after eight years in France, returned to Portugal and immediately reconstructs the professional relationships that interrupted in 1984. Collaborates then as arranger and musical director on the album that Vitorino composed on texts by António Lobo Antunes 'that I'm moved by everything and me nothing' (1992). Great job signing this disc does not escape criticism, earning him a special distinction: José Afonso award that Amadora City Council allocates annually to the best work of Portuguese music- first delivered to an arranger. Sérgio Godinho, companion of yesteryear now rediscovered, writes 'Permanent Ink' (1993), which is in charge of arrangements and musical direction, a task that also extends to the performances, most notably ordering Lisboa'94 brought to life the Lisbon Coliseum.

Still in 1993, founded with pianist Mario laginha the chamber orchestra 'Souls and Dances', in March 1995, took a memorable concert at the Belém Cultural Center in 1994 working in 'L' Amar', the disc debut Filipa Pais, who composes three themes, makes the arrangements and musical direction. Simultaneously performs a series of improvisations in the National Cinematheque as a companion silent films and acts as soloist with the Orchestra of the North. He regularly collaborates with musicians like Thomas Pimentel, Carlos Martins, Pedro Caldeira Cabral, Mario laginha, and Maria João Pedro Burmester, among others. These collaborations result numerous concerts and participation in another album, 'Taking Off' (1994), the debut album by trumpeter Thomas Pimentel septet. Along with Jorge Reis, Mario Franco and Jose Salgueiro, form the quartet of John Paul. It is with these musicians who writes 'Saw worm', the first album in his name and that now constitutes the core of his musical activity. Sérgio Godinho: 1980. I had been talking about him, and Carrapa Ze Luis Caldeira, and whispered me his name as if it were a mystery: There is a person called John Paul, who sits at the piano and leftover praise. Moreover, the fact that John Paul came with his piano by 'Corner of mouth' inside, sauntered your glow interpreter and arranger for 'Coincidences', by my first Coliseum for many performances that marked me. The track went to France and then came back even better and made me the 'Permanent Ink'. I owe you some important sounds of my life, and this is indeed, a mystery that I feel like sharing. There is a person called John Paul 'Mario laginha' John Paul is a musician with unique features. His enormous talent encompasses the composition, interpretation and improvisation. Has an immense musical intelligence and is still a highly stimulating to share ideas, opinions and experiences musician. These days, listening to inspirational music is not, in my opinion, at all ordinary. The music of John Paul's! Let us enjoy the privilege of listening to Vitorino. Words for what? What is good is to hear it live. Does not yield one iota in essential. It is lord of a prodigious hands and a great talent. Moreover, is a great friend! Is João Paulo Esteves da Silva 'DISCOGRAPHY: With Sérgio Godinho' Corner of mouth' (Polygram, 1981); 'Coincidences' (Polygram, 1983); 'permanent ink' (EMI, 1991) With Fausto. For this upstream (CBS / Sony Music , 1982) With José Mário Branco, 'Being supportive' (Edison, 1982) With Vitorino,' that I 'm moved by everything and me nothing ' (EMI , 1992) Septet With Thomas Pimentel 'Taking Off' (El Armadillo, 1994) With Filipa Pais 'L' Amar' ( Strauss, 1994) In its own name: 'Saw worm' Lighthouse ( 1995), 'Souls and Dances' Lighthouse( 1996) 'The exile'. Pope John Paul: piano, carlos spout: contrabass, peter epstein: saxophones( Marecordings 1999) 'Souls' - Pope John Paul: piano , carlos spout : contrabass , peter epstein : saxophones (Marecordings 2000) 'Corner' - Pope John Paul: piano, peter epstein: saxophones (Marecordings 2000) 'Sunrise' - uses / japanese - john paul: piano, ricardo days: accordéon, peter epstein: avril saxophones ( Marecordings 2001) ' Wheel portugaises les suites ' - empreinte digitale / nocturne - john paul en france soil ( juin 2002) piano."

"Luís Figueiredo was born in Coimbra in 1979.

After concluding the Piano program at the Music Conservatory in Coimbra, he graduated in Piano at the University of Aveiro, where he studied with Vitali Dotsenko, Fausto Neves, António Chagas Rosa and others. He studied at the Hot Clube de Portugal, with Filipe Melo, Bernardo Moreira and Bruno Santos. Later, he also studied with Mário Laginha.

He performs and composes professionally since 2004. He currently leads and co-leads several projects performing his own music and other repertoire, featuring musicians such as trumpeter João Moreira, bassists Mário Franco and João Hasselberg, classical singer Nuno Dias and drummers Bruno Pedroso and Alexandre Frazão, among others. As sideman, he works regularly with Cristina Branco, João Hasselberg, Jorge Moniz, Luísa Sobral, Sofia Vitória, Ana Bacalhau, and others. He also occasionally collaborates in theatre and cinema as performer and composer.

Luís Figueiredo also has a PhD in Music - Ethnomusicology from the University of Aveiro (advisors Susana Sardo and Mário Laginha). He currently teaches Jazz Studies and Chamber Music at Univ. Aveiro. He is a member of INET-MD (Centre for Studies in Music and Dance) and is also associated with the Centre for Jazz Studies at University of Aveiro, where he collaborates in research projects on jazz in Portugal."

"Joao Lencastre is a drummer/composer native from Lisbon. Started playing the drums at the age of 13 and he is now one of the most active and creative musicians on the Portuguese musical scene. He has played all different kinds of music, from avant garde Jazz to mainstream,Alternative Rock, Afro Beat, Reggae, Metal, World,Electronic/Dance, etc.

His interest in jazz started when he first joined the Hot Club Jazz School in 1995, where he studied with the drummer Bruno Pedroso.

Apart from Portugal, has also played in different venues around the world, including New York, Czech Republic, England, Brazil, Poland, Spain, Macau,and Panama.

Over the years, JL had extensive training and practice, in order to stay continuously up to date on new styles and improve his knowledge and skills, which included private lessons with some top drummers, either in England, with Mark Mondesir or in New York, with Ralph Peterson, Billy Kilson, Ari Hoenig and Dan Weiss.

Has played and/or recorded with David Binney, Bill Carrothers, Andre Fernandes, Mario Franco, Thomas Morgan, Jacob Sacks, Afonso Pais, Carlos Barreto, Phil Grenadier, Andre Matos, Demian Cabaud,Leo Genovese,Peter Bernstein, Masa Kamaguchi, Benny Lackner, Nelson Cascais, Spill, Joao Paulo Esteves da Silva, Vojtech Porchaska, David Doruzka, Noah Preminger, Russ Johnson, Sean Conly, Randy Ingram, Demian Cabaud, Jeremy Stratton, Tiago Bettencourt & Mantha, Blasted Mechanism, Jacinta, Cacique 97, among many others...

Lencastre has put out four records as a leader with his group Communion, "One!" and "B-Sides" on Fresh Sound/New Talent and "Sound it Out!" on TOAP Records, all with great national and international reviews on some of the most prestigious magazines, Modern Drummer, Jazz Times, Ipslon, Jazz.PT, All About Jazz, NYC Jazz Record, just to name a few...

The fourth Communion record, featuring David Binney, Phil Grenadier, Jacob Sacks, Thomas Morgan, Andre Matos, plus guests Sara Serpa, Tiago Bettencourt, Ary and Benny Lackner, came out in November 2014 on Auand Records."