Claudio Celso

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1974

Genres

jazz, instrumental music, bossa nova, jazz fusion

Instruments

guitar, acoustic guitar

Biography

Claudio Celso is a celebrated Brazilian guitarist, acoustic guitarist, composer, and arranger who has earned international acclaim for his contributions to jazz and contemporary instrumental music. Born in São Paulo, he grew up in a musical household as the son of Nilson Marcondes de Oliveira Celso, a pioneer of the electric guitar in Brazil. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with legendary figures such as Jaco Pastorius, Chet Baker, Eumir Deodato, and Marisa Monte, bridging the worlds of Brazilian music and American jazz.

His professional journey began in 1974 when he performed with the Zimbo Trio and played in the TV Tupi orchestra. In the late 1970s, he relocated to New York City, where he recorded with renowned producers and performed at prestigious events like the Monterey Jazz Festival. Over the decades, Celso has released numerous acclaimed albums, including "Brazilian Jazz by Claudio Celso", "Surf Life", and the symphonic crossover project "Axis Mundi", cementing his legacy as a virtuoso of global jazz fusion.