Mauricio de Souza

Born in Brasília, Brazil, Maurício de Souza is a professional jazz drummer who easily performs in both traditional jazz and Brazilian jazz styles. De Souza was a pupil of world renowned jazz drummer Joe Morello.

Coming from a musical family, de Souza began playing drums at age eleven. His early interest in complex music led him to explore numerous styles ranging from progressive rock, to classical music, to jazz.

Since 2004, de Souza has directed/performed with his own groups: Maurício de Souza Group (Straight Ahead Jazz) and Bossa Brasil® (Brazilian Jazz). As a band leader, he has released four albums to date: ˝Here. There…˝, ˝Different Directions˝, ˝Trajeórias˝, and ˝Five Roads˝ (new album). Lately, de Souza has been focusing more on his Brazilian Jazz project and writing his own compositions for that group.

Some of the amazing artists de Souza has had the pleasure of performing/recording with include Mike Stern (guitar), Marc Copland (piano), Greg Gisbert (trumpet), John Lee (electric bass), Gary Mazzaroppi (acoustic bass), Dmitry Baevsky (alto sax), and Adrian Cunningham (tenor sax).

Highlight performances as a band leader include appearances at Blue Note NY, NJPAC, Festival International de Jazz de Quebec, Westfield Downtown Jazz Festival, DiMenna Center, Kitano Hotel, Saint Peter’s Chruch, Gates Pub (Brazil), among many other prestigious venues/festivals.

De Souza and his music are/have been featured in Jazz Times Magazine, Hot House Jazz Magazine, NYC Jazz Record, WBGO, Music Choice, Pandora, Sirius XM, Jazz Week, and numerous radio stations in the US, Brazil, Canada, and Poland.

Gear

DW and Pearl drums and hardware; Sabian, Zildjian, and Paiste Cymbals; Pro-Mark and Regal Tip sticks.

Tags

Album Review

Here. There... by Woodrow Wilkins

Album Review

Trajetórias by Chris M. Slawecki
Five Roads by Chris M. Slawecki

December 14, 2013

Enter the "Mauricio de Souza - Different Directions" Giveaway at All...

November 05, 2013

Two Free MP3s by Mauricio de Souza and Bossa Brazil at All About Jazz

April 09, 2007

Composers Collaborative (Mon) Morrison Motel (Tue) Mauricio de Souza...

"...Maurício’s Bossa Brasil project is a masterpiece of subtlety.” - Raul da Gama, Hot House Jazz Magazine.

"A gifted and chameleonic drummer, Brazilian native Mauricio de Souza has, for more than a decade, proven to be a sought-after percussion force in the states since relocating to New Jersey in 2004. An excellent sideman and collaborator, Mauricio shines as a bandleader as he heads up a unique set of solo projects." - Seton Hawkins, Hot House Jazz Magazine

"The alto-vibes frontline along with the fresh treatments of the repertoire gives Bossa Brasil its own individual group sound. While much of the music is mellow and melodic, it has its heated moments with plenty of subtle surprises heard along the way." - Scott Yanow, Jazz Journalist/Historian/Author. On "Trajetórias".

"...Maurício’s Bossa Brasil project is a masterpiece of subtlety.” - Raul da Gama, Hot House Jazz Magazine.

"Souza's briskly swinging touch and interactive instincts fuel this date (Here. There...), which includes outstanding solo contributions from pianist Carl Viggiani (Powell's "Consolação"), flugelhornist Gregory Rivkin ("I Can't Get Started") and vibraphonist Jerry Weir (Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots"). Mike Stern guests on Nascimento's lyrical "Vera Cruz" and burns on Joe Henderson's "Inner Urge"." —Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times Magazine.

"Here. There... is a solid mix of Brazilian music and jazz standards." Woodrow Wilkins, All About Jazz.

"De Souza belongs at a drum kit." —Zan Stewart, Star Ledger.

"This CD ("Here. There...") sounds like a group of talented musicians got together with songs that they liked, went into the studio and had a lot of fun. Drummer Mauricio de Souza spearheaeded the project ... to deliver a wide variety of material choices." —Marcia Hillman

"De Souza is a talented drummer and the driving engine on this album ("Here. There..."), able to play in many styles with a delicate touch on the snare contrasting the heavy bottom of his bass drum." —Marcia Hillman, All About Jazz New York (currently The New York City Jazz Record).

"Each of the tracks on this album ("Here. There...") is a little gem and since there is enough variety to suit many tasted, this CD will probably garner much play. It is an exciting offering that is good for the ears and the spirit." —Marcia Hillman, All About Jazz

"Here. There... has been well recieved critically and commercially ... We dig it big time and we're sure you will, too." —Steven Froias, Tri City News.

"Together with bassist Morrie Louden the rhythm section has more swing than Derek Jeter as Mauricio's colorful accents perfectly underscore Carl Viggiani's speedy and free flowing piano solos on "Casa Forte" and "Consolação". By Ryan Sparks, Sea of Tranquility website (on "Here. There...")

"In my opinion why the music on this disc (Here. There...) works so well is because it strikes a perfect balance somewhere between restrained and cut it loose. You have light and wistfully textured ballads "I Can't Get Started" and "Here. There..." sitting right alongside the exotic and muscular grooves of "Chovendo na Roseira" and "Vera Cruz"." By Ryan Sparks, Sea of Tranquility website (on "Here. There...")

"Through it all De Souza is the anchor and the glue holding it all together and save for a few places here and there, where he steps up to the forefront and breaks into a short solo, his playing for the most part is as refined as it is understated. For De Souza you get the distinct impression that his goal here definitely isn't to demonstrate a lot of flash, but to serve the song and the arrangement." By Ryan Sparks, Sea of Tranquility website (on "Here. There...")

"Here. There... gives the listener a great indication of just how effortlessly Mauricio De Souza is able to navigate seamlessly through these two styles of jazz. Basically if you appreciate the traditional jazz format but also like to have a bit of spice on the side, then you'll definitely want to check this one out." By Ryan Sparks, Sea of Tranquility website (on "Here. There...")

"With an alternately authoritative and feathery touch on the drums, de Souza has a bright future in jazz." —Richard Skelly, U.S. 1.

"Here. There...: ... Brazil grooves with a lounge and jazz twist that make even the chestnuts sound fresh. A solid, fully packed disc of upbeat happy music that will do nothing less than drive away the blues. ... Right on the money throughout, it is sophisticated and savvy with just the right amount of funk and winks to keep it right in your pocket. Every adult in need of a sonic fix should put this on their portable player pronto. Well done." —Chris Spector, Midwest Record.

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Primary Instrument

Drums

Location

Newark

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

11 years of private studies with Joe Morello. Bachelor's degree in Performance (jazz and classical). Teaching Certification (K-12). Available for private lessons. Please contact me for availability and rates: 973-651- 7281, [email protected].

Clinic/Workshop Information

A basic clinic would include: explanation and discussion of basic drum techniques; basic rock, jazz, and Brazilian jazz rhythms; how to apply these techniques in a musical way in a group setting. More involved clinics are certainly possible