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Rafael Abdalla
BASSIST • Composer • Improviser
About
Rafael Abdalla is a Brazilian bass player and composer who has been a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene for over two decades. As a leader, he has recorded four albums, while also contributing to more than 30 other instrumental records. His work as a sideman, composer, and arranger has led him to collaborate with some of Brazil’s most influential musicians, including Raul de Souza, Leo Gandelman, Paulo Moura, Rogério Bocatto, Vinicius Dorin, Andre Marques, Zé Renato, Vânia Bastos, Paulo Freire, Nenê, Michel Leme, Vittor Santos and Lupa Santiago, Big Band SamJazz, Banda Urbana-SP, Scott Wilson jazz Quintet among many others.
He holds a master’s degree in Jazz Performance from the Prince Claus Conservatory in the Netherlands and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Music Composition at the University of Florida.
In addition to leading his own projects, Rafael is also the bassist for Hercules Gomes Trio and Rodrigo Almonte Quintet.
Currently, he is writing material for his upcoming album, which will feature a string quartet and woodwinds, exploring strategies for merging contemporary classical music with jazz and Brazilian music.
“Winner of Best Latin Jazz Ensemble and Best Composition for a small combo”
Downbeat Magazine
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Rafael Abdalla quinteto
RODRIGO ALMONTE quintet
“Rodrigo Almonte’s approach to music is a sublime distillation of musical genres and inspirations with various influences from around the world weaved within its rich basket of harmonies and melodies.”
- Jazz Views
Hercules Gomes Trio
"Due to his impressive technical skill and expressive choice of repertoire, he is considered one of Brazil's foremost pianists today. "
- Stingray Festival