On his latest solo album Neto (on B&W Music) the guitarist teams with such luminaries as tabla master Zakir Hussain, legendary percussionist Airto, vocalist Flora Purim, and bassist Gary Brown. A unique, dynamic synthesis of styles Neto delivers an exuberant melding of jazz and rock influences.

A founding member of Fourth World and the group's primary composer, Neto has been heard on the albums Live at Ronnie Scott's London and Fourth World (on B&W Music). Earning rave reviews wherever they performed London's Evening Standard hailed "the understated virtuosity of guitarist Jose Neto". While the Birmingham Post noted: "Jose Neto played high-wire stuff with the intensity of a rock guitar hero and the intricacy of a Latin master".

Besides enlivening Fourth World, Neto's impressive credits include working for a number of years as musical Director for Harry Belafonte, and playing with Hugh Masekela, Herbie Mann, Tania Maria, Paquito D'Rivera, Randy Brecker and Jorge Dalto.

Born in São Paulo, Brazil in 1954, Neto was classically trained at the São Paulo Academy of Music. As a young player learning to create his own unique style Neto was influenced by Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, British '60s bands, Brazilian popular music and jazz. In 1976, he began teaching guitar at the Zimbo Trio Jazz and Brazilian music School, and touring with his own group Plato.

Moving to New York in 1978, Neto so impressed singer Harry Belafonte he was hired as the legends' guitarist. During this time he recorded Something to Hold on to (CBS) with Belafonte and toured the world.

Relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1982, Neto formed his own band and began solidifying a reputation as a dynamic, expressive guitar player. Among the albums he was invited to play on were Come With Me (Concord) with Tania Maria, Explosion (CBS) with Paquito D'Rivera, and Humble People (Concord) with Airto and Flora Purim. Performing with Harry Belafonte he appeared in the HBO special "Don't Stop Carnival".

Releasing his first solo album Mountains and the Sea in 1987 (Water Lily) Neto was accompanied by Airto, Flora Purim and Randy Tico. This was followed by Three Way Mirror with Airto, Flora Purim and Joe Farell, Reference Records with Airto and Flora, The Sun is Out (Concord), and Struck By Lightning (Virgin Records) with Airto.

The ongoing association with Harry Belafonte led to the live album Belafonte '89 (EMI) recording in Europe, an African tour and video "Global Carnival" for Kodak recorded in Zimbabwe. As Belafonte's musical director Neto conducted a 12-piece band and later recorded Paradise in Gazankulu (Manhattan Records).

Traveling to South Africa, Neto has produced and played on an album featuring some of the African nation's most exciting groups and musicians. This compilation Making Music in South Africa has been released on B&W Music in 1995.

In March 1995, Neto was invited to record with George Benson. He also played on and contributed compositions to Flora Purim's latest CD Speed of Light.

For booking, contact EMMECI