I was born in Tijuca, northern Rio, close to the forest and the peak. However, my family soon moved to Ipanema, south area of Rio, where I grew up.

From my mom I inherited her musicality, from my father, the discipline.

I was lucky enough to have three mothers…my grandmother, my mother and my godmother.

The most influential person in my life was my dear music theory professor Esther Scliar. As a musician I cherish his memory.

One of the moments that most marked my childhood was at the wake of my father. When my father died a carnival band paraded in the street in front of the building where the wake was taking place. I immediately ran towards the band and made them stop playing and dancing!

Two artists that most influenced me growing up were Severino Araújo and his orchestra (Brazilian Dancehall Music) and of course The Beatles.

My greatest fear growing up was my father’s ghost. Then I started to gain self confidence.

My greatest achievement to date is to be alive up to this moment.

I am grateful to everyone who shared with me their friendship and acknowledgement. And to my partner Rejane Zilles. I am a shy man, therefore I do not always say it out loud so much. I am always grateful after all the achievements we have made together.

The motto I live by is  “I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.” Groucho Marx

I’ve learned the the importance of friendship

A virtue that’s under-valued is being good. Nobody cares about goodness.

The trait you most dislike in others is being boring.

I am a pessimitic optimist. When I look at the world I am pessimistic, but then I see  the progress, we’ve made in things like medicine and science and I feel more optimistic.

I don’t believe in the people that lead usm  don’t see anyone really fighting for peace, although, in the case of Brazil, I see our president Lula da Silva doing something in this direction.

My favourite question is What????

My favourite word is Hope

The word I most overuse Motherfucker.

I believe in peace.

If I could change one thing about myself I would change not one thing. I’m is good enough as I am

 Jards Macalé will perform on Sun 10 March at The Jazz Cafe https://www.comono.co.uk/live/jards-macale/