Adriano Santos is at the epicenter of New York’s contemporary Brazilian drummers. Growing up in São Paulo and studying at the acclaimed Zimbo Trio Music School, he moved to Boston in 1988 and earned a degree in film scoring at Berklee College of Music. In 1995, he relocated to New York City to pursue a master’s degree at City College and has never turned back.
As a professional, he has performed with top international artists such as Astrud Gilberto, Gal Costa, Leny Andrade, Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves, Nelson Faria, Leo Gandelman, Paulo Moura, Eumir Deodato, Jovino Santos Neto, John Pizzarelli, Slide Hampton, Cliff Korman, Santi Debriano, Dave Pietro, Paul Winter and the Boston Pops, to name a few. He is currently performing with the Vinícius Cantuaria Group, Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quintet.
Adriano’s playing style emphasizes natural clarity, swing and deep-seated groove in the tradition of Brazilian drummers Airto Moreira and Milton Banana. In addition to his extensive experience as a sideman, he has taught Brazilian music at Columbia University, New York University, and for the past twelve years at the renowned Drummers Collective Music School.
His 2010 debut album, In Session, his first as a band leader, received outstanding reviews in the press and was nominated in three categories for the Latin Jazz Corner Best of 2010 Awards: Best Brazilian Jazz Album, Next Generation Artist and Best Drum Kit Player. Mr. Santos is artist endorser for Vic Firth sticks, Odery drums, Remo drumheads and Istanbul Agop cymbals.