Adriano Santos was born in São Paulo, Brasil in 1966. Part of a new generation
of Brazilian drummers, he began his drum studies at the age of twelve at Zimbo
Trio Music School ( CLAM) in his hometown. In 1988 he moved to Boston to study
at Berklee College of Music where he acquired his B.A. in Film Scoring.
Moving to New York in 1995, Adriano started his Masters Degree at City College of
New York where he had the chance to enjoy ensemble lessons with the great jazz
legend Ron Carter. As a professional he has performed with top international
artists such as Astrud Gilberto, Gal Costa, Leny Andrade, Luciana Souza, Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves, Claudio Roditi, Nelson Faria, Leo Gandelman, Paulo Moura, Jovino Santos Neto, Nilson Matta, Jared Gold, Yotam Silberstein, Ray Vega, David Binney, John Pizzarelli, Slide Hampton, Harry Allen, Bill Charlap,
Cliff Korman, Santi Debriano, Hendrik Meurkens, Dave Pietro, Vana Gierig,
Eileen Ivers, Paul Winter and the Boston Pops, to name a few.
Adriano is currently performing with the Vinicius Cantuária Group, Matt Geraghty Project and the Afro- Brazilian band Hãhãhães. He has also
recorded "Pretty World", a project produced and arranged by the great Eumir Deodato
with Japanese sensation Lisa Ono.
Mr. Santos has produced publications in specialized drum magazines and has
released a new book through Drummers Collective NYC (where he is part of the
faculty) called, "Afro-Caribbean & Brazilian Rhythms for Drum set".
Adriano is endorsed by Vic Firth Sticks, Remo drum heads, Odery Drums and Istanbul Agop Cymbals.