Renato Neto

Music has been a part of Renatos family life since he was a child. His parents had a love of music which they shared with their children at early ages. Although different genres of music were playing throughout the house, the majority of the music was being played by brazilian composers such as; Chico Buarque, Gil Gilberto, Martinho da Vila, Elis Regina and others. The families summer vacations were often spent visiting Renatos grandfathers farmhouse just outside the city of Sao Paulo, Brasil. It was there that Renato, age 7, saw the piano that his father use to play when he was a child. It was obvious to Renatos parents that he had a musical interest, so they took the piano home. Inspiration was inevitable for Renatos musical journey. The pianist and arranger Cesar Camargo Mariano was the first musician that gave him his desire to know the piano. He wasnt the only child in the family that was musical. Renatos brothers also showed interest. Fernando, older brother, played drums. Flavio, younger brother, was about 5 years old when he started jamming with percussion instruments. Today Flavio is a successful saxophonist. It was at early ages that the lessons and practicing became a part of their lives.
At 15 years of age, Renato was musically well on his way. Walter "Eski" Roberto was a musician that helped to develop his understanding of how to become a working musician. Playing night clubs in Sao Bernardo do Campo was where he started to put that work into action. 17 years of age came around and his family relocated to Rio de Janeiro. Renato started working with such artists as; Biafra, Sandra de Sa, Amelinha, Roberto Carlos, Kid Abelha, Claudio Zoli, Barao Vermelho, Tim Maia, Margareth Menezes, Marina Lima, Renato E Seus Blue Caps, Prentice Gilson, Carmen Silva, Gil Gilberto, Artur Maia, Leo Gandelman, Victor Biglione, Raul Mascarenhas, Nico Assuncao, Marcio Montarroyos, Ricardo Silveira and others.
In 1991 the United States was Renatos new home. After living in California for about a year, he met musicians Marco Mendoza (bass) and Joey Heridia (drums). They formed a band called "Straight Jacket". Throughout the time they were together they toured many different countries in Europe and South America. They eventually recorded a live CD at the La Ve Lee jazz club in Studio City, California. Renato has also played and recorded with; Sheila E., Dianne Reeves, Michael Ruff, Ronnie Foster, Marilyn Scott, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, Sandro Albert and many more talented artists. In 2000, Renato and then partner Tal Bergman (drums), put together a recording studio. Producing and arranging took place there for such artists as; Rod Stewart "It Had To Be You" The Great American Song Book, Marilyn Scott "Walking With Strangers", Flavio Bala "The Party and others." Working on television shows such as; The Wayne Brady Show, The Latin Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Show and the 2004 Grammy Award Show with Stevie Wonder, Prince, Sheila E., Brian McNight, Justin Timberline, Celia Cruz, Christina Aguilera, Little Richard, Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross and others. Film score credits include; "Dancing At The Blue Iguana" directed by Michael Redford and "Kill Me Later" directed by Dana Lustig. Collaborating with such musicians, directors and producers has given Renato more pleasure to continue his musical path.
For the past three years Renato has been on tour playing with Prince and The New Power Generation. Successfully their 2002 "One Nite Alone" tour was a hit along with the live DVD going platinum. The Musicology CD also went platinum and their tour achieved major success.