Rodrigo Ursaia

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1997

Genres

jazz, brazilian instrumental music, samba jazz, choro

Instruments

saxophone, flute

Biography

Rodrigo Ursaia is a Brazilian saxophonist, flutist, and composer recognized for his prominent work in the instrumental scene, with a strong connection to jazz and Brazilian music. His musical training includes a degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston and a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York, where he deepened his studies in saxophone and improvisation with renowned masters such as Joe Viola, George Garzone, and David Liebman. This solid academic foundation, combined with an intense musical background, has established him as a prominent artist in the jazz scene.

Throughout his career, Rodrigo Ursaia has collaborated with a vast array of nationally and internationally renowned artists, including Rosa Passos, Ivan Lins, Dom Salvador, Banda Mantiqueira, Heraldo do Monte, Toninho Horta, Cláudio Roditi, and many others. His experience as a member of Rosa Passos' group has taken him on several tours across Europe, the United States, and Asia, with performances at iconic venues such as Lincoln Center and the Blue Note NY. His work with the Dom Salvador Sextet resulted in the album "The Art of Samba Jazz", winner of the 2012 Brazilian Music Award in the Best Instrumental CD category.

Ursaia has also been a member of the Orquestra Jazz Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo and served as a guest soloist for the Amazonas Jazz Band. In partnership with guitarist Lupa Santiago, he released the CD "Chamado", which explores influences from jazz, samba, and choro, featuring original compositions that reflect the connection between the two musicians. His work is marked by the fusion of contemporary jazz elements with Brazilian rhythms, solidifying him as an important name in Brazilian instrumental music.

Discography

• Chamado (2015)
• O Espantalho (2015)