Role

:

Performer

Country

:

Brazil

 

Duduka Da Fonseca is a Brazilian jazz drummer and percussionist who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on May 31, 1951, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Duduka grew up in a musical family and was exposed to the sounds of samba and bossa nova from a young age. His father was a professional musician who played the accordion, and his mother was a singer. Duduka began playing the drums at the age of thirteen and quickly developed a passion for jazz music. He was heavily influenced by the music of American jazz drummers such as Max Roach, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones. He also drew inspiration from Brazilian percussionists such as Airto Moreira and Milton Banana. In the early 1970s, Duduka began playing professionally in Rio de Janeiro. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented drummer and was soon playing with some of Brazil's most famous musicians, including João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, and Elis Regina. In 1975, he moved to New York City to pursue his career in jazz. In New York, Duduka quickly established himself as a sought-after drummer and percussionist. He played with a wide range of musicians, including Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, and Joe Henderson. In 1980, he joined the group of legendary Brazilian guitarist and composer, João Gilberto, and toured with him for several years. In 1984, Duduka co-founded the Brazilian jazz group, Trio da Paz, with guitarist Romero Lubambo and bassist Nilson Matta. The group quickly gained a following and became known for their unique blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz improvisation. They released their first album, "Brazil from the Inside," in 1992, which was critically acclaimed and helped to establish them as one of the leading Brazilian jazz groups in the world. Over the years, Duduka has recorded and performed with many of the world's top jazz musicians, including Herbie Mann, John McLaughlin, and Wayne Shorter. He has also released several albums as a bandleader, including "Samba Jazz Fantasia" and "Plays Toninho Horta." In addition to his work as a musician, Duduka is also a respected educator. He has taught at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City and has conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. He is also the author of the book "Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset," which has become a standard text for drummers interested in learning about Brazilian music. Throughout his career, Duduka has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of jazz. In 2002, he was awarded the Brazilian International Press Award for Best Jazz Album for his album "Samba Jazz Fantasia." In 2010, he was inducted into the Brazilian Hall of Fame in New York City. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, including Best Latin Jazz Album for his work with Trio da Paz. Duduka continues to be an active performer and educator, and his contributions to the world of jazz and Brazilian music have been significant. His unique blend of Brazilian rhythms and jazz improvisation has helped to create a new genre of music that has influenced musicians around the world. He remains a respected and beloved figure in the world of classical music, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

More....