KOUTO BEAT

My name is Luiz Coutinho De Souza. Everyone just calls me "Coutinho." (Coo-Teen-Yo) I was born in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I am a professional percussionist, drummer and Brazilian drum and percussion teacher. I live in Austin, Texas,U.S.A where I have worked with many finest musicians from Brazil and from around the World play music many diferent stayle play with musician well knowing and who I know very well. I also teach Brazilian percussion in my Studio.My Culture and my Family Provide me with a very strong musical Influence,Alowing me to Develop my skills as a musician.While still in my early teens, I joined several schools of samba,in Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, festival music at college and musical groups, travelling extensively throughout Brazil. I've played for Claudio Cammillo Grupo Uma Oitava a Cima Thomas Lima, O Homem De Bem in 1993, Banda Caffe in 1991, Agua de Coco 1991 to 1993, Maracatamba in 1990. Also: Adere-O Tuninho Villas , Watusi, Zeze Motta, Tereza Tinoco, Laudir De Oliveira , YaMenJa Band, Afro Cultral Grupo Olodum with Master Neguinho Do Samba, and Summer on the Beach Music Project with Trio Da Alegria from Petrobras (in Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1993). Upon arriving in the United States, I feel I've carved a sizable niche in the Austin, Texas music community. Contributing to YaMenJa, Espiritu, Suzana Sharpe and the Samba Police, Soukus band Tamasha Africana, Nuance Section, Pieces of East, Ghandaia, The Brew, Raggamassive, Papa Mali and the Instigators, Creative Opportunity Orchestra, Circle of Light, and Oliver Rajamani Ensemble.Most recently Project O Batikum bring Afro Brazilian Rhythm with Flavor of World Music dancing ,also I have performed with The Flying Club, Carlton Pride, Oliver Rajamani,Circle of Light,John Arthur Martinez and The Brew,Dub Addis from Ethiopia, Fiya Soca music among others...