Zé Nogueira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

José Augusto Nogueira

Years Active

1975–2024

Genres

MPB, jazz

Instruments

soprano saxophone

Biography

José Augusto Nogueira, better known as Zé Nogueira, was a renowned Brazilian saxophonist and music producer, born on July 21, 1955, in Rio de Janeiro. His musical career began in the mid-1970s, when he joined the symphony orchestra of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Soon after, he stood out as an instrumentalist in the musicals "Gota d'Água" (1975) and "Ópera do Malandro" (1978), both by Chico Buarque, consolidating his presence on Rio's theater stages. His musical background was solid, with studies at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music, the National School of Music of UFRJ, and the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA.

Throughout his career, Zé Nogueira became an essential figure in Brazilian popular music, performing alongside great names such as Djavan, Chico Buarque, Ney Matogrosso, Ivan Lins, Simone, Zizi Possi, Zé Renato, Leila Pinheiro, and Flávio Venturini, both in concerts and recordings. He also collaborated with artists like Tim Maia, Erasmo Carlos, Gilberto Gil, and Elba Ramalho. His skill with the soprano saxophone made him unique, as he was the only Brazilian instrumentalist to play exclusively this straight type of saxophone.

As a music producer, Zé Nogueira left a significant legacy, having been responsible for albums by artists such as Djavan, Leny Andrade, Flávio Venturini, Boca Livre, Leila Pinheiro, Ivan Lins, Wagner Tiso, Zé Renato, and Ney Matogrosso. He also produced, in partnership with Victor Biglione, the soundtrack for the film "Faca de Dois Gumes", and with Cristóvão Bastos, the soundtrack for "Mauá – O Imperador e o Rei". His first solo album, "Disfarça e Chora" (1996), was nominated for the Sharp Award for Best Instrumental Album. Zé Nogueira passed away on April 26, 2024, at the age of 68, leaving an indelible mark on Brazilian music.

Discography

• Disfarça e Chora (1995)
• Carta de Pedra - a Música de Guinga (2008)
• Arthur Dutra, Zé Nogueira – Encontros (2016)
• Mario Adnet e Zé Nogueira Apresentam Moacir Santos – Choros & Alegria (2025)