Claudio Celso

STATS Rank: 10,744 Views: 2,296

Born: August 4, 1955 Primary Instrument: Guitar

Considered as one of the top 100 guitarists in the world by Guitar Player Magazine.

Immortalized in the “Encyclopedia of Brazilian Musicians” (www.musicosdobrasil.com.br) .

Presently living in the US, guitarist/composer Claudio Celso is releasing in 2010 two CDs: The Music of Claudio Celso and Surf Life, and time permitting, a third one - Ascension to Alpha Solaris. His previous CDs Brazilian Jazz by Claudio Celso and Swell �” a Brazilian Cool Jazz Experience play on jazz radios all over the world.

Born in Brazil, Claudio started playing the guitar at the age of four. He studied classical guitar and then learned bossa nova and jazz with guitarist/composer Paulinho Nogueira and also with his father Nilson M. Celso - one of the first electric guitarists in Brazil. Later on, he studied composition and arranging in NY with Don Sebesky.

At 17, Claudio joined Brazilian instrumental ensemble Zimbo Trio, touring with them throughout Brazil for over two years (the trio's discography spans more than 40 albums, often in combination with other celebrated Brazilian performers). He also accompanied major popular artists with Tupi Television Orchestra and worked with musicians such as multi-instrumentalist Hermeto Paschoal while in his hometown Sâo Paulo.

In 1978, Claudio moved to New York and was immediately and enthusiastically welcomed by jazz icons Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Billy Hart, Charlie Rouse and Walter Booker, and later on, he met Jaco Pastorius, Kenny Kirkland, Randy Brecker, Roberta Flack, Larry Willis, Cecil McBee, Alex Blake, Steve Thorton, Payton Crossley, Shunzo Ono, Terumasa Hino, Lester Chambers, Calvin Hill, Buddy Williams, Paquito d�'Rivera, Clifford Adams, Laudir de Oliveira, Dom Um Romão and others. He also worked for producers Creed Taylor and Teo Macero. In 2002, he traveled to LA where he recorded with songwriter Mike Stoller (Leiber and Stoller) and pianist Guilherme Vergueiro.

Claudio Celso has played at jazz festivals such as Newport, Cool Jazz in New York City, Monterey and Hollywood, and numerous concerts and venues in Brazil more recently.

In addition to his career as a performer, Claudio does guitar clinics and writes articles for Guitar Player Magazine. During his 35 years of professional experience, he has taught extensively in his own country and internationally, published a Jazz Guitar instructional video, and was the mentor of a number of Brazilian guitar stars. His Jazz clinics at the City of Miami Public Libraries, at the GIT Institute and at the Joinville Jazz Festival in Brazil have been highly rated.

He frequently gives newspaper, magazine, radio and TV interviews. His appearance at TV Talk Show “Programa do Jo” in December 2007 averaged 4,6 million viewers in Brazil.

Last Updated: September 29, 2010

”What do the Jazz legends Jaco Pastorius, Chet Baker and drummer Billy Hart have in common? Answer: all of them have got the sophisticated musical help from Brazilian guitarist Claudio Celso. Claudio lived in the US for 25 years where he built his career and forged his style, a perfect fusion of impeccable technique and deep jazz roots with a musical brain connected to all world music tendencies and sounds of Brazil. His CD Swell has all this and much more. Claudio�'s enlightened original compositions and his version of classic pieces get real close to perfection indeed. The title song “Swell” plus the track “Monicaland” present subtle bossa nova elements, “Bye Bye Brasil” gained a fabulous be-bop version. Another Swell's nice surprise is the track “Hades” with a mysterious atmosphere and linear melody emphasizing the melodic lines of Claudio�'s guitar.” Musica Brasileira Independente, July 25, 2007, Claudio Celso - Swell, a Brazilian Cool Jazz Experience http://www.maritaca.art.br/news/mubi_swell.html

”Claudio Celso has just released his marvelous CD “Swell - A Brazilian Cool Jazz Experience” and his interview to Guitarra Cover Magazine has been one of the best in the magazine�'s history.” - Regis Tadeu, January 2007, Guitarra Cover Magazine - issue 145 http://www.maritaca.art.br/news/coverguitarra.html

”A majestic work: delicate melodies upgraded by elegant and bold improvisations “ - Henrique Inglez de Souza (Guitar Player Magazine), CD Swell (back cover), December 2006

”On Sunday, February 18 from 3-5pm, RCA and Sony recording artist Claudio Celso will be here. This amazing guitarist, composer and producer has appeared at all the top jazz festivals, and has played with artists like Roberta Flack and Richie Morales from Spyro Gyra. This afternoon, he�'ll introduce us to cuts from his latest CD Brazilian Jazz. Gina Martell from WTMI�'s BrazzJazz will serve as emcee for the Sunday event. “ - Borders February 2001 News & Local Events

”The Hollywood Jazz Fest! November 14th and 15h. features a fantastic lineup including a new guy on the scene - Claudio Celso. He is from Brazil and has a new CD out called “Brazilian Jazz by Claudio Celso”... something you heard this week on Brazilian Love Jazz. Gina�'s picks: Check out the new CD from Claudio Celso. It includes some great music and I think you�'ll like it! The CD�'s got a kind of a Brazilian/Fusion sound to it. Celso has played with some very well known musicians so I doubt he�'ll stay local for too long. Check it out...” - Gina Martell, Brazilian Love Jazz, Nov 1998

”O�'Hara�'s is excited to host a CD release party for Brazilian guitarist Claudio Celso and his new CD titled “Brazilian Jazz by Claudio Celso”. This highly acclaimed guitar virtuoso and all-star accompanist has performed with Roberta Flack, Jaco Pastorius... and with his band at jazz festivals all over the world including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Cool Jazz Festival in New York City and the Monterey Jazz Festival. On his new CD, Claudio steps into the spotlight to display his phenomenal solo abilities with a collection of original tracks combined with traditional Brazilian favorites. Powerful, passionate and energetic, his CD is a journey into the realm of the exotic, yet exhibiting true musical class; when talent meets experience. Don�'t miss his performance at O�'Hara�'s on Friday, Nov 13th. Claudio will also perform, courtesy of O�'Hara�'s, at the Hollywood Jazz Festival on Sunday, Nov. 15th at noon.” - Heat Beat Magazine, November 1998, O�'Haras Jazz Cafe Newsletter

Primary Instrument:
Guitar

Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students

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