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Billy Ponzio
Brazillian Jazz Drummer and Composer
About Me
Born in 1976 in São Paulo, Brazil. At the age of 13, I took lessons with Percio Sapia at CLAM, the Zimbo Trio Music School. From 1992 to 2002, I played in original rock bands, such as the progressive rock trio Turtles Sharks & Beavers and brazilian psychedelic rock band Freak. From 1996 to 1998, I was a percussionist for the Scottish Link Pipe Band, a Scottish bagpipe band in Brazil. In 1998 we played in the World Bagpipe Festival in Glasgow, Scotland. In July 2004, through pianist Ari Giorgi, I met the great brazilian traditional jazz clarinetist Tito Martino and have been a member of his band ever since. With the Tito Martino Jazz Band, I've performed in major concerts, including a memorable show with renowned American guitarist John Pizzarelli in São Paulo (available on YouTube). In 2013, I produced the CD “Pioneiros do Jazz Paulistano” (Pioneers of Sao Paulo Jazz), featuring some of the biggest names in brazilian traditional/swing jazz, including Tito Martino, Hector Costita and André Busic. I've also participated in several jazz recordings (available on Spotify, YouTube, etc.). In October 2020, I launched the online course VINTAGE DRUMMING, about the language of early jazz drumming. Also a composer, I've recorded several experimental and prog-fusion albums, available on digital platforms.
