Derico Sciotti

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Also known as

João Frederico Sciotti

Years active

1974–presente

Genres

jazz, MPB, instrumental music, blues, fusion, experimental music, choro, samba jazz

Instruments

flute, saxophone, piano, guitar, double bass, acoustic guitar, drums, clarinet

Biography

João Frederico Sciotti, known artistically as Derico, is a multifaceted Brazilian musician, writer, and businessman, born in São Paulo on July 17, 1966. His musical career began early, at the age of five, with flute studies, and by eight he was already performing professionally. With a solid classical background, Derico gained national recognition starting in 1974, after winning several competitions for young instrumentalists, which led him to participate in recitals and concerts all over Brazil. At 14, he was the first flutist of the Municipal Youth Orchestra of São Paulo and participated in the Campos do Jordão Winter Festival in 1980. His versatility led him to explore other musical genres such as jazz, blues, and instrumental music, becoming a multi-instrumentalist and playing saxophone, piano, guitar, double bass, acoustic guitar, and drums, in addition to his initial training in flute.

Alongside his musical career, Derico also stood out as a writer, releasing books such as "A Busca Dos Óculos de Graal – A História do Deriquismo e outros Assuntos Aleatórios" and "Bobagens.com". His participation in the show "Jô Soares Onze e Meia", on SBT, starting in 1990, and later in the "Programa do Jô", on Rede Globo, where he was part of the "Sexteto do Jô" for 28 years, brought him national prominence. On the show, besides his musical talent, he became known for his role as an "advisor for random affairs", interacting with Jô Soares and commenting on the news in a humorous way.

Derico is the founder of the Artlivre Music School in São Paulo, and he also developed the "Derico Music Truck" project, a truck equipped with a stage for musical performances. He has released 14 CDs and participated in several Book Fairs. His career is marked by collaborations with numerous renowned Brazilian artists, such as Dominguinhos, Hermeto Paschoal, Egberto Gismonti, and international ones like Chick Corea and George Benson, solidifying his position as one of the most versatile and respected names in Brazilian instrumental music.