Brazilian drummer Mauricio de Souza grew up in Brasilia. He became interested in the drums when he was 11, by watching a performance of New Jersey rock group Skid Row.



Mauricio arrived in the United States in 1998. Soon he learned how to blend his country's musical style with American jazz.



Mauricio de Souza started the band Bossa Brasil in December 2003. The band combines bossa nova, samba and other Brazilian rhythms with American jazz standards.