Mauro Senise

Mauro Senise came to music rather late, beginning formal study only upon turning twenty. Odette Ernst Dias guided his classical flute training, while Paulo Moura instructed him on saxophone. He soon established himself as a sought-after sideman across Brazil’s popular music scene, contributing to numerous sessions and live dates. Among the leading figures he accompanied were Wagner Tiso, Hermeto Pascoal, and Egberto Gismonti. In 1981 he joined Robertinho Silva, Zeca Assumpção, and André Dequech to form the group Alquimia. Senise has performed repeatedly throughout Europe and the United States. His debut solo album, Mauro Senise, appeared only in 1988, reflecting the limited commercial attention then afforded instrumental music in Brazil. Subsequent releases have featured collaborators such as Romero Lubambo, Gilson Peranzzetta, and Raul Mascarenhas. In 2001 he appeared at both the Chivas Jazz Festival and the Free Jazz Festival, the latter including a notable Moacir Santos tribute. Since its founding in 1982 he has remained a member of the instrumental ensemble Cama de Gato. In the classical sphere he has collaborated with clavier player Rosana Lanzelotte and cellist David Chew.