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Billy Magno

Pianist and arranger Billy Magno blends classic heritage with contemporary freshness. A "remarkable treasure of musicianship," his work echoes the spirit of giants like Mancini and Hefti.

About Me

A Bridge Between Generations and Traditions.

Born in Pão de Açúcar, Alagoas, in 1978, Billy Magno (Williams Magno Barbosa Fialho) is a distinguished multi- instrumentist, arranger, and conductor whose work serves as a vital link between the golden eras of Brazilian music and modern jazz improvisation. Currently based in São Paulo, Magno has cultivated a career defined by technical mastery of the piano, tenor saxophone, clarinet, and baritone sax, establishing himself as a premier orchestrator for both stage and screen. New Release: The Pulse & The Heart The highly anticipated album from The Billy Magno Orchestra, titled The Pulse & The Heart, arrives on digital platforms on March 17, 2026. This definitive work, released by 88 Major Records, encapsulates a musical philosophy that unites rhythmic vigor with lyrical depth. The Album Structure. The Pulse: Explores the high-energy tradition of swing and big band dynamics. Highlights include “Battle on F Street”—a 2004 bolero transformed into incendiary swing—featuring a tenor duel between the legendary Hector Costita, at age 90, and the young Thomaz Souza. The Heart: Delves into personal tributes and orchestral elegance. Tracks like “I Remember Petrus” honor his late tutor, Maestro Petrucio Ramos (1946–2021), while “Valdice” utilizes the iconic “Miller Sound” closed harmony to bridge the past and present. Musical Foundation and Mentorship Magno’s artistry is rooted in a profound respect for his mentors. His formal training includes studies with Paulo Henrique Lima Brandão (Theory), Maria Mercedes Ribeiro Gomes (Piano), and José Ramos de Souza, known as Zé Gordo (Saxophone). He credits his professional lineage to his time spent with masters such as Moacir Santos, Ciro Pereira, and Laércio de Freitas. A Prolific Collaborative Career Magno’s versatility has made him a sought-after collaborator across diverse genres: Collaborations: He has performed or recorded with icons such as Toninho Horta, Zeca Baleiro, Danilo Caymmi, Jane Duboc, and the legendary guitarist Lanny Gordin. International Connection: Toured Brazil in 2025 with double bassist Martin Pizzarelli. Arrangements: His writing has shaped the sound of projects for Angela Maria, Agnaldo Timoteo, and Wilson Simoninha. Film & Stage: Contributed to soundtracks such as Histórias de amor duram apenas 90 minutos (2010) and the musical A Paixão Segundo Nelson (2016). Billy Magno remains a “being privileged by the capacity to enchant”—a musician who honors the masters while forging a sophisticated, contemporary path on the global jazz stage.