Guilherme Monteiro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1986

Genres

jazz, brazilian jazz, mpb, instrumental, flamenco, free jazz

Instruments

guitar, bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, cavaquinho, viola caipira, voice

Biography

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1971, Guilherme Monteiro displayed a fascination for music and improvisation from a young age, beginning guitar lessons at twelve. By fifteen, he was already performing in jazz clubs and teaching privately in Belo Horizonte, where he collaborated with notable musicians like Toninho Horta and Tavinho Moura. His early exposure to the rich musical traditions of Minas Gerais significantly shaped his sophisticated approach to music.

Monteiro's career trajectory led him to the United States in 1995, where he honed his skills in various R&B and jazz venues in Minneapolis and Boston, even attending Berklee College of Music. His talent was further recognized when he was accepted into the highly selective Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. During his time there, he studied under jazz legends like Clark Terry and Jimmy Heath, performing and teaching clinics with them.

Since settling in New York City in 2000, Monteiro has become a respected sideman and collaborator, lending his distinctive guitar work to a wide array of artists, including Ron Carter, Kurt Elling, Eliane Elias, and Luciana Souza. He is also a core member of the acclaimed band Forro in the Dark, with whom he has helped redefine Brazilian music for a contemporary audience. Beyond his collaborations, Monteiro leads his own band and has released his debut album, "Air," showcasing his versatility and unique musical voice.