I began my trombone-studies in 1990 at the age of 15. After long years of playing the drums… My first jazz teacher was german trombonist Ulrich Plettendorff.
In 1993 I took the chance to be the principle trombonist of the “Westfälische Wilhelmsuniversität” big band, conducted by the american trumpeter Bob Lanese.
In 1996 I became a member of the ''Bundesjugendjazzorchester''(German youth jazz orchestra) conducted by Peter Herbolzheimer and from 1998 I started to participate in the concert activities and recordings of the orchestra.
In 1996 I moved to the Netherlands to study at the Hilversums Conservatorium which would move to Amsterdam during my studies. I studied trombone and arrangement with associate professor's such as Bart&Erik van Lier, Ilja Reijngoud, Marc Godfroid&Martijn Sohier, Jiggs Wigham, Ed Neumeister. I have had big band studies with names like Erik van Lier, Maria Schneider, Jim Mc Neely, Jiggs Wigham, John Clayton&Jeff Hamilton and Vince Mendoza….
In 2000 I graduated sucessfully with 9 of 10 points.
Still in Netherlands I got in touch with cape verdean music, and on a trip to the Cape Verde Islands I took the decision to get based in Lisbon for an indeterminated period to work there in Jazz projects and world music stuff. Since then I'm here in Lisbon....
I'm one of the founders/composers of our afro latin big band called ”Tora Tora”, made up from 6 different nacionalities.. In 2003 I formed “Duôkapi”, a duo with Brazilian guitarist Virgílio Gomes and in 2007 I formed “L.A. Jumping Pulgas”, my new 4tet. Beside my own projects I performed in TV shows, and I tour frequently throughout Africa with african musicians like Tito Paris(Cape Verde).
In Portugal I perform all over the country with jazz musicians from here, and as the 1st trombone of the “Big Band do Hot Club de Portugal” I have the chance to perform with great musicians like with Maria João&Mário Laginha, Chris Cheek, Julian Argüelles, Perico Sambeat….In 2004 I was lead trombonist of the European Jazz Youth Orchestra.
In 2007 I joined the European Movement Jazz Orchestra as lead trombone player, the band started as a project of the german musical council, now the official period is over, and musicians will continue it by their own….
Pimp My Profile
Myspace Layouts - Image Hosting - Forums