Stéphane San Juan

Origin

Montpellier, França

Years Active

1988

Genres

jazz, bossa nova, samba jazz, world music, chanson, funk, rhythm & blues, samba

Instruments

drums, percussion, vocals

Biography

Stéphane San Juan is a French drummer, percussionist, composer, singer, and music producer, known for his versatility and deep connection to Brazilian music. Born in Nancy, France, in 1971, San Juan began his musical career at age 17 in Montpellier, where he studied drums and percussion. His musical journey took him to London in 1995, where he collaborated with artists such as saxophonist Andy Sheppard and South African singer Sibongile Khumalo. In Paris, he accompanied the Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, participating in the recording of the album "Dimanche à Bamako", produced by Manu Chao.

In 2002, Stéphane San Juan moved to Rio de Janeiro, immersing himself in the rich Brazilian music scene. There, he joined the group +2 alongside Kassin, Domenico Lancellotti, and Moreno Veloso, and joined Orquestra Imperial, which was voted "Best Group" by awards such as APCA and the Brazilian Music Award. His connection to Brazil was so strong that his musical godfather, Wilson das Neves, described him as "the most Brazilian Frenchman I've ever met." San Juan also performed with the drum section of the Império Serrano samba school, under the guidance of Wilson das Neves.

Throughout his career, San Juan has released acclaimed solo albums such as "Système de Son" (2014), "Saved by the Drums" (2018), and "Stéphane San Juan & Sambacool" (2020). He has also collaborated with a vast array of renowned artists, including Caetano Veloso, Adriana Calcanhotto, Bebel Gilberto, Vanessa da Mata, Tulipa Ruiz, and Flora Purim. In 2017, he moved to New York, where he continued to expand his international career, participating in world tours such as David Byrne's "American Utopia" and collaborating with musicians from the New York jazz scene.

Discography

• Systeme de Son (2014)
• Saved By The Drums (2018)
• Stéphane San Juan & Sambacool (2020)
• Stéphane San Juan & Sambacool, Vol. II (2022)