Mozart Mello

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1967

Genres

progressive rock, instrumental

Instruments

electric guitar, acoustic guitar

Biography

Mozart Mello is a renowned Brazilian guitarist and teacher born in São Paulo on July 20, 1953. His musical journey began early, influenced by his family, which included a musician grandfather, a multi-instrumentalist father, an accordionist mother, and a sister who played bossa nova on the acoustic guitar. In 1967, he joined the band Os Selvagens on the television program MiniGuarda. In the 1970s, he established his name in the national progressive rock scene by being part of groups such as Terreno Baldio and Joelho de Porco, in addition to collaborating with Trio D'Alma alongside André Geraissati and Ulisses Rocha.

Throughout his career, Mozart Mello made his presence felt at important events, such as the Free Jazz Festival in its 1985 and 1986 editions. In 2012, his talent was recognized when he was featured on Rolling Stone Brasil magazine's prestigious list of the 30 greatest Brazilian guitar and acoustic guitar icons, highlighted in the virtuoso heroes category.

In addition to his work as an instrumentalist, Mello greatly distinguished himself in the educational field, acting as a teacher and pedagogical director of the Guitar and Technology Institute (IG&T). Several prominent guitarists in the national scene took his classes, including Kiko Loureiro and Edu Ardanuy.