Born in Rio de Janeiro and currently living in Brooklyn, NY, bassist Leonardo Lucini has been bringing the sounds of Brazilian jazz to American audiences for over a decade.
Lucini is a virtuoso performer on electric and acoustic bass. Trained in both classical and jazz styles, he holds a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Maryland. He is knowledgeable about many world music styles, including a vast range of Latin music. His own compositions are often based on unique Brazilian rhythmic styles, going far beyond the expected samba and bossa nova to Maracatu and Afoxe. His love of the music overflows. An able clinician, he also conducts lectures and workshops on Brazilian jazz.
He has toured internationally with Nestor Torres, Arturo O'Farrill, Alex Acuna, Federico Pena and Gregoire Maret. In Brazil, he performed with leading groups and artists No Em Pingo D'Agua, saxophonist Paulo Moura and the Orquestra de Musica Brasileira. In the States, he performs with the band Origem and is an artist in residence at Montgomery College.
Leonardo Lucini's brother, Alejandro, is a gifted drummer and percussionist. Together the brothers created the band Origem, which currently often includes his other brother, Bruno. Bruno is also a very gifted percussionist. Origem records and performs Brazilian tunes to contemporary jazz and fusion, including many originals - all are given a Brazilian twist. They have graced the stages of the Kennedy Center and many Smithsonian concert halls, as well as popular venues in the “U” Street jazz district.