Duduka Da Fonseca Trio

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Duduka Da Fonseca started playing drums when he was thirteen. He moved to New York City in 1975 and was the founder and leader of Brazilian All Stars, Brazilian Express, and the New York Samba Band. Since 1986, he has been a founding member and co-leader of Trio da Paz, a band he started with bassist Nilson Matta and guitarist Romero Lubambo. In New York, Duduka followed his dream of playing with American jazz musicians where he could blend musical cultures. To date, he has recorded and performed with legends like Gerry Mulligan, Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, Lee Konitz, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, John Patitucci, and many others.In addition, Duduka has played and recorded with many Brazilian artists: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dom Salvador, Sergio Barrozo, Rio 65 Trio, Haroldo Mauro Jr., Astrud Gilberto, Toninho Horta, Airto Moreira, and others. He is also a 4-time Grammy nominee. In 2002 his first solo album, Samba Jazz Fantasia, was nominated for an American Grammy Award.