ARTIST
BIO

Quarteto Moderno is a cutting-edge contemporary Brazilian Jazz ensemble which presents fresh interpretations of samba, baião, choro, frevo, maracatu, marcha and guarânia. A creatively rich crossroad featuring original compositions of acclaimed guitarist-vocalist Richard Boukas, saxophonist Felipe Salles and bassist Leonardo Cioglia, they are joined by ubiquitous drummer Adriano Santos. The group also performs staple Brazilian repertoire of legendary composers from Pixinguinha to the living genius Hermeto Pascoal.

Richard Boukas has led original music ensembles for over thirty years, ranging from mainstream jazz to his longtime vision for Brazilian music in jazz and classical settings. A virtuoso guitarist and vocalist in several stylistic idioms, he has collaborated with top Brazilian musicians including a ten-year association with Grammy-nominated pianist Jovino Santos Neto. His rhythm sections have included bassists Nilson Matta, Santi Debriano and drummers Paulo Braga, Portinho and Adriano Santos. Richard is among key faculty at New School Jazz since 1989 and a frequent guest artist/clinician at universities nationwide. Named “Best Brazilian Jazz Guitarist in the U.S.” by GuitarOne Magazine, he was guest artist-professor at Brazil’s esteemed Campos do Jordão Festival and former Chair of Brazilian Music for IAJE. An established composer of jazz, Brazilian and classical instrumental, chamber and choral music, he has fulfilled commissions for Modern Mandolin Quartet, Atlantic Brass Quintet, Lamont Saxophone Quartet, and his own ensembles. He is also an academic author and journalist (Just Jazz Guitar and other publications). Among his several released recordings include Balaio (duo, Jovino Santos Neto), Tudo de Bom (Hermeto Pascoal’s Calendário do Som), Amazôna, Embarcadero and Commitment.

Felipe Salles is a native of São Paulo, Brazil and has been performing, composing and teaching in the U.S. since 1995. While in Brazil he worked with numerous local bands and noted artists including Daniela Mercury, Paulo Moura and Wagner Tiso. In the States he has recorded with George Russell, Gunther Schuller, Sam Rivers, Luciana Souza and Bob Moses. His private studies with world-renowned musicians David Liebman, Jerry Bergonzi, George Garzone and Kenny Werner (M.A. in Jazz Studies, New England Conservatory) helped synergize a keen musical vision which at once challenges and embraces his firm Brazilian roots. The result is a compositional and improvisational voice of great richness and sophistication. Felipe is a 2005-06 recipient of Chamber Music America’s Jazz New Works Grant Program, which facilitated the production and release of his latest CD on Curare Records, South American Suite. His first two solo recordings are Mind Motions and Further South, for Spain’s Fresh Sound label. Felipe is the first candidate to earn a Doctoral Degree in Jazz Advancement from Manhattan School of Music, He is currently on faculty at Manhattan’s Precollege Jazz division and Five Towns College, Long Island.

For more info, visit Felipe’s website at www.sallesjazz.com

Leonardo Cioglia was born in Brasília, Brazil, where his formal music studies began at age nine. Shortly after making the transition from electric to acoustic bass, in 1989 he won a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music (Boston). Graduating in 1995, he founded Quizamba Music, an umbrella performance and recording venture dedicated to contemporary Brazilian music. His studies continued at Emerson College, earning an M.A. in Visual and Media Arts, and was host of WERS radio program Terra Brasilis. Upon moving to New York City in 2001, he continued his work with Quizamba and has since established himself as a seasoned leader and sideman. Leo has performed and recorded with artists including Claudio Roditi, Paulo Moura, Helio Alves, Duduka Da Fonseca, Maucha Adnet, Cliff Korman, Vic Juris and George Schuller.  His first release as a leader, Contos, features saxophonist John Ellis and guitarist Mike Moreno. Leonardo’s compositions traverse a broad stylistic expanse, moving effortlessly from contemporary Jazz to innovative settings of Brazilian roots genres. He has worked frequently with Felipe and Adriano in Quizamba and other creative settings.

For more info, visit Leonardo’s site at www.leonardocioglia.com