José Barrense-Dias was born in Angico in the province of Salvador (Bahia), Brazil (full name: José Dias-Soares-Barrense-Regis-Evangelista-Ferreira dos Santos). After an early career in São Paolo, where he played with Paulinho Nogueira, he moved to Europe following his marriage, finally settling in Nyon, Switzerland.
Here he began a recording career and developed his repertoire, teaching for several years as Professor at the Conservatoire Populaire de Musique in Geneva.
His style ranges widely, from orthodox Brazilian styles to more adventurous and classical-inspired pieces, in some cases involving extensive use of traditional Brazilian folk instruments and percussion. He has performed many times at the Montreux Jazz Festival each June-July.
Website: http://www.barrense-dias.com/
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