Home » Member Page
Billy Ponzio
Brazillian Jazz Drummer and Composer
About Me
Born in 1976 in São Paulo, Brazil.
At the age of 13, I took lessons with Percio Sapia at CLAM, the Zimbo Trio Music School.
From 1992 to 2002, I played in original rock bands, such as the progressive rock trio Turtles Sharks & Beavers and
brazilian psychedelic rock band Freak.
From 1996 to 1998, I was a percussionist for the Scottish Link Pipe Band, a Scottish bagpipe band in Brazil. In 1998
we played in the World Bagpipe Festival in Glasgow, Scotland.
In July 2004, through pianist Ari Giorgi, I met the great brazilian traditional jazz clarinetist Tito Martino and have
been a member of his band ever since.
With the Tito Martino Jazz Band, I've performed in major concerts, including a memorable show with renowned
American guitarist John Pizzarelli in São Paulo (available on YouTube).
In 2013, I produced the CD “Pioneiros do Jazz Paulistano” (Pioneers of Sao Paulo Jazz), featuring some of the
biggest names in brazilian traditional/swing jazz, including Tito Martino, Hector Costita and André Busic.
I've also participated in several jazz recordings (available on Spotify, YouTube, etc.).
In October 2020, I launched the online course VINTAGE DRUMMING, about the language of early jazz drumming.
Also a composer, I've recorded several experimental and prog-fusion albums, available on digital platforms.
