Raphael Rabello

Origin

Petrópolis, RJ

Also known as

Rafael Baptista Rabello, Rafael Rabello, Rafael 7 Cordas

Years Active

1970s–1995

Genres

choro, brazilian popular music, samba, instrumental guitar

Instruments

guitar, seven-string guitar

Biography

Rafael Baptista Rabello was born in Petrópolis on October 31, 1962, and established himself as one of the greatest guitarists and composers in the history of Brazilian music, especially known for his mastery of the seven-string guitar. Raised in a family with a strong musical inclination and influenced by great masters such as Jayme Florence (Meira) and Dino 7 Cordas, he demonstrated virtuosity since his adolescence, making notable recordings alongside names like Turibio Santos and João Nogueira.

Throughout his career, Rabello collaborated with icons of MPB and Brazilian instrumental music, such as Tom Jobim, Ney Matogrosso, Zé Ramalho, Paulo Moura, Elizeth Cardoso, and Radamés Gnattali, in addition to easily moving through genres like choro and samba. His refined technique and unique expressiveness earned him international recognition, including glowing praise from legendary figures like Paco de Lucía.

Rafael passed away prematurely in Rio de Janeiro on April 27, 1995, leaving an inestimable legacy for the country's culture. His work continues to live on through his essential discography and tributes paid by major national and international music artists, consolidating his name among the great acoustic guitar masters.

Discography

• Radamés Gnattali, Raphael Rabello – Tributo a Garoto (1982)
• Sete Cordas (1982)
• Paulo Moura, Raphael Rabello, Jaques Morelenbaum, Zé da Velha – Brasil Instrumental - Sax, Violão, Cello & Trombone (1985)
• Interpreta Radames Gnattali (1987)
• Rafael Rabello (1988)
• Radamés Gnattali - Chiquinho do Acordeon, Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras, Raphael Rabello – Retratos (1990)
• Ney Matogrosso & Rafael Rabello – À Flor da Pele (1990)
• Raphael Rabello & Dino 7 Cordas (1991)
• Elizeth Cardoso & Rafael Rabello – Todo O Sentimento (1991)
• Paulo Moura & Raphael Rabello – Dois Irmãos (1992)
• Todos os Tons (1992)
• Raphael Rabello & Déo Rian – Delicatesse (1993)
• Romero Lubambo & Raphael Rabello – Shades Of Rio (1993)
• Relendo Dilermando Reis (1994)
• Armandinho / Raphael Rabello – Brasil Musical (1995)
• Raphael Rabello & Armandinho – Em Concerto (1997)
• Raphael Rabello, Amélia Rabello – Todas as Canções (2001)
• Mestre Capiba (Por Raphael Rabello e Convidados) (2002)
• Nelson Gonçalves & Raphael Rabello – A Voz & o Violão (Ao Vivo) (2002)
• Cry, My Guitar (2005)
• Raphael Rabello (2005)