Nelson Sobral

www.nelsonsobral.com

Coming from a family of musicians, Nelson started playing drums at the age of six, in is home country, Portugal. At the age of ten, he began playing in local bands where he had his first contacts with professional musicians and professional music.

At the age of thirteen, he began studying drums with drum professor and master musician Roberto Soarez. At the age of seventeen, he moved to Switzerland were he deeply reinforced his knowledge of drumming at the E.J.M.A. (Ecole de Jazz et Musique Actuelle), in the City of Lausanne. After studying at E.J.M.A, he then took private lessons with professor and master musician António Di Leo.

Nelson Sobral moved to the City of Los Angeles – U.S.A, in September 1994, to continue his studies at the Musicians Institute on the Department of P.I.T. At this school he studied with the most prestigious and well known teachers and musicians, like Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, Chuck Flores, Kirk Covington, Efrain Toro, Joel Taylor Ralph Razze, Enzo Todesco, Richie Garcia, Maria Martinez amongst many other respectable masters. He also attended many Master Classes with some other respectable Drummers during his formation at M.I., like Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Tierry Bozzio, Marvin “Smity” Smith, David Garibaldi, and Gregg Bissonette.

It was in this same City where Nelson began participating in recording sessions. Some of the recordings he made resulted in being released by major labels. After completing his studies at M.I., he continued having private lessons with professor and master musician Joel Taylor.

In 1996, Nelson returned to Portugal. Since then he became a distinguished drummer by working with the biggest names in the Portuguese market, and also by his versatility. In 1998, he founded the MUSICLAND School– EJMAM (Musicland Escola de Jazz e Música Actual de Mafra) With Eduardo Sobral. Since that day Nelson became the Director of the Educational Department.

In 1999 Nelson was invited to play with the Blues legend JOHNNIE JOHNSON. From 1999 until 2004, he has been playing on many Orchestras and TV shows. As well, he made several tours with Pop Artists, Jazz Bands and accomplished many CD recordings.

In 2003 and 2004, Nelson participated together with Gregg Bissonette on the, MAPEX WORKSHOP WORLD TOUR, Portugal edition. In 2004, he made the MUSICLAND MEINL MAPEX PORTUGAL WORKSHOP TOUR.

At this moment Nelson is: touring with the Rap/HipHop Artist BOSS AC which was nominated for the Best Portuguese Act of MTV Europe, with the Jazz singer MAFALDA SACCHETTI, and with his Fusion Band together with the Guitar player LUIS MORENO "NEWSPEAK". He is currently working on his Jazz/D&B, solo CD. Nelson is also in charge of his own Clinics and Drum Workshops.