About
Izio
Gross
Izio Gross, a Brazilian pianist, arranger, bandleader, maestro, and songwriter, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1950s. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Izio Gross's musical journey began at the age of six, leading him to study classical piano at the São Paulo Conservatory and delve into harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration.
His career took flight in the early 1950s when he showcased unparalleled improvisational skills and seamlessly blended jazz with Brazilian rhythms in various bands in São Paulo. Relocating to Rio de Janeiro in the late 1950s, he became a key player in the bossa nova scene, collaborating with luminaries like João Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim, and Luiz Bonfá.
Izio Gross's discography boasts over 50 albums, showcasing not only his prowess as a pianist but also his talent as a composer and arranger. His compositions and arrangements, both original and reimagined classics, have left an indelible mark on Brazilian music.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Izio Gross is a distinguished educator. Teaching piano and theory at various Brazilian schools, he has also shared his expertise globally through master classes and workshops. His impact extends beyond the stage, making him a revered figure in both performance and education.
Studies
At the Brazilian National Conservatory of Music in Rio de Janeiro
- Piano, harmony, counterpoint, arrangements, compositions & conducting of orchestras
With private teachers
- Professor Laerte Vaz de Mello, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Professor Madalena Tagliaferro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- "Mature technics for piano" - Professor Edmundo Klias, São Paulo, Brazil
- "Arrangements for Jazz Big Bands, Brazilian Music and Symphonic Orchestras" - Professor Moacir dos Santos
- First studies of harmony with professor José Couto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil using the first harmony book written by french professor Marcel Durand.
At private schools
- "Paul Hindemith's principles of harmony, counterpoint and arranging" - Pro Arte Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
- Berklee School of Music, Boston, USA
Activities
In Brazil as pianist/composer performing/recordings with various singers such as
- Maysa, Elisette Cardoso, Mara Abrantes, Ademilde Fonseca, Silvinha Telles, Claudette Soares, Joao Gilberto, Agostinho dos Santos, George Green, Lucio Alves,Cauby Peixoto, Roberto Luna & many others.
Internationally among others with musicians such as
- Wayne Escoffery, Ze Bodega (t.sax.), Paulo Moura (alto sax), Formiga (trp), Edmundo Maciel (trb), Rubinho (Rubens Barsotti drms), Demetrio Santos Lima (alto sax), Bolao (t. sax), Gilberto Gagliardi (maestro, trb & President of Musicians' Union in Sao Paulo, Brazil), Raul de Souza (trb), Lele (Haroldo Paladino trp, leader of the Symphonic Orchestra in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), maestro Radames Gnatali, Lirio Panicali, Orlando Costa (Cipo t.sax), Severino Araujo (Orchestra Tabajara - Radio Tupi, Rio de Janeiro).
In Argentina, Buenos Aires
- 3 years contract as leader of the Big Band - (19 member band) at Radio LR3-LR1 Radio Splendid, during which he played with famous composer and sax player Gato Barbieri.
Further Recordings
- EMI-Brigadeers
- RCA
- DECCA-Polidor
- Cubaney
- Odeon Parlophone (Rio and Lisbon)
- RGE São Paulo
- Mocambo rec. (musical director)
- Continental
- L.P. Radio
- CBS (producer and arranger)
- RCA (Fonopolis Records, Spain)
- Gallotone Johannesburg (RSA)
- Water Lily Productions, Los Angeles USA
Other activities
- Freelance arranger and pianist for Radio HR3 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany whose Big Band recorded various original compositions featuring Wilson de Oliveira (sax), Joe Gallardo (trombone), Dom Um Romão (drums & percussion)
- Special arrangements for the shows "30 years of TV" and "60 years of radio" with the simphony orchestra at the "Alte Oper" Theater in Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- RIAS Big Band in Berlin, Germany.
