Biography
André Neiva
testing his
Discovery bass
André Neiva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and studied classical piano from 8 to 12 years old, and even performed live at the prestigious Sala Cecília Meirelles in Rio. From 14 to 16 years old he studied acoustic guitar and finally decided to be a bass player. With only a 1 month experience playing the bass he was already performing at night clubs in Rio de Janeiro. With 21 years old he began studying functional harmony and improvisation following the Berklee College of Music methods. His first professional concerts were with singer Elza Soares. Since then he has played with lots of different artists live and in recordings, such as: Luiz Melodia, Gal Costa, João Bosco, Jorge Vercilo, Martinho da Vila, Moraes Moreira, Tim Maia, Jorge Aragão, Blitz, Evandro Mesquita, Peri Ribeiro, Tunai, Zé Renato, Nico Rezende, Cláudio Nucci, Orlando Morais, Cláudio Zolli amongst others.
In the instrumental music scene he has played with Ricardo Silveira, Marcos Ariel, Raul Mascarenhas, Oswaldinho do Acordeom, Mauro Senise, Zé Nogueira, Billy Cobham, Don Grusin, Victor Biglione, Cristóvão Bastos, Robertinho Silva, Cláudio Infante, Alceu Maia (with the group Choro Elétrico), etc. In gospel music he has recorded with Carlinhos Felix, Eyshila, Jossana Glessa, Cristina Mel, Graça e Paz, among others, besides joining several musical events organized by churches.
Nowadays, Neiva performs with the instrumental band Cama de Gato as well as saxophonist Marcio Montarroyos.
In addition to all this, André Neiva also ministrates workshops throughout Brazil, having gathered a big legion of followers and admirers.
André playing
a 6-string Dart
and an upright
4-string Discovery
bassess in
talkshow and
peformance of
Cama de Gato
Some notes about his career:
"...the show includes the super special performance of super bassist André Neiva..." 
(O Globo newspaper, October 1988 / by Mauro Ferreira)
"...the magnificent solos by virtuous bassist André Neiva..."
(O Globo newspaper, May 1995)
"...who almost stole the scene was bass player André Neiva, really impressive..."
(Backstage magazine, May 1996)
"...he once again amazed everyone when performed alone on stage the classic 'Overjoyd' by Stevie Wonder, without his band. The crowd went nuts..."
(Música e Tecnologia magazine, June 1998)
"...joining Montarroyos was no one but André Neiva. One of the best bass players nowadays..."
(O Globo newspaper, July 1999)