Duduka Da Fonseca & Quarteto Universal

Helio Alves – piano
Vinicius Gomes – guitar
Gili Lopes – bass
Duduka da Fonseca – drums

The Percussionist; author and producer, born in Rio de Janeiro, Duduka Da Fonseca is a 4-time GRAMMY® Award Nominee Drummer. He has appeared on over 250 albums alongside American Jazz icons as well as Brazilian Jazz Icons, including 25 albums as a leader/co-leader, making him one of the most recorded Brazilian drummers in this idiom.

In 2002 Duduka’s first solo album, Samba Jazz Fantasia, was the first “Samba Jazz” instrumental album ever to be nominated for the American Grammy® Award. He is one of the very few Brazilians and the only Brazilian drummer thus far to be nominated for this prestigious Award with his own solo album. He has recorded and tour with Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gerry Mulligan, Astrud Gilberto, Phil Woods, Kenny Barron, Lee Konitz, Eddie Gomez, Herbie Mann, Joe Henderson, Claudio Roditi, Rufus Reid, Paquito D’Rivera, Slide Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, John Pizzarelli, John Scofield,Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, David Sanchez, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap, Milton Nascimento, Dori Caymmi, Oscar Castro Neves, Larry Goldings, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker and many others.

“Duduka Da Fonseca had the flowing beat doing his bidding, making one dance while sitting down. A master of “Brasilient” rhythms, he is equally capable of grooving a jazz 4/4 with his great, loosey-goosey swing” –Ira Gitler, American Jazz Historian and Journalist.

“ Duduka is a fantastic drummer, he has worked with me and I love the way he plays” — Antonio Carlos Jobim.
“The universal appeal of Brazilian jazz is how measured, melodic emotion is energized from within by subtle, invincible rhythm. Da Fonseca may be the best in the world at motivating and sustaining that special vital pulse.” –Thomas Conrad, JazzTimes.