Rodrigo Lessa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Carlos Rodrigo Hue Ribeiro de Lessa

Years Active

1979

Genres

choro, samba, bossa nova, pagode jazz, brazilian jazz

Instruments

mandolin, acoustic guitar, guitar, cavaquinho, bandarra

Biography

Rodrigo Lessa is a prominent Brazilian musician, composer, arranger, and producer, recognized for his versatility on the bandolim and guitar. He began his career in the 1980s, joining the group Nó em Pingo d'Água, one of Brazil's most respected choro ensembles. Lessa was also a co-founder of the Orquestra de Cordas Brasileiras in 1989, an endeavor that earned him the Prêmio Sharp for Best Instrumental Group and solidified his role in the innovation of Brazilian music.

Throughout his career, Lessa has collaborated with numerous renowned artists in Brazilian popular music, including Paulo Moura, Guinga, Ivan Lins, Leila Pinheiro, Paulinho da Viola, Cristóvão Bastos, Ney Matogrosso, João Bosco, Jonhy Alf, and Sivuca. His work as an instrumentalist and arranger has been featured on many albums, and he has also contributed as a composer, with his songs being recorded by artists such as Zeca Pagodinho, Dona Ivone Lara, and Joyce Moreno.

In addition to his solo work, Rodrigo Lessa is a member of the instrumental group Pagode Jazz Sardinha's Club, which received the Prêmio Tim for Best Instrumental Group in 2004. His discography includes several solo albums, such as "Solbambá," "Feito à Mão," "No Bangalô da Bandola," and "No Jeito," showcasing his diverse musical influences that blend choro, samba, bossa nova, and jazz.