Drummer Alex Kautz brings his Brazilian roots to his jazz. Born in São Paulo, he later moved to Mexico City with his parents. Absorbing MPB (música popular brasileira), samba and bossa nova from his parents’ music collection, he later discovered jazz. Jack DeJohnettte, Chick Corea, and John Abercrombie were a few of his early influences. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Aaron Copland School of Music in Queens, NY. Through the connections made at these prestigious schools, he became a sought-after session musician, often working with other Brazilians as well as Tim Ries, Steve Wilson, Lenny Andrade, and many others. He formed Trio Afora with Fabio Gouvea and bassist Felipe Brisola, releasing Afora (literally meaning “apart,” a nod to Brazilians living away from their homeland) in 2017.

Also an experienced educator, Kautz has taught in India (Swarnabhomi School of Music), Mexico (JAZZUV School of Music), Brazil (Souza Lima Conservatory and College of Music), and the US (the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music and Mannes Conservatory).

He’s finally released his first album as a leader, Where We Begin. The record showcases his own compositions, as well as interpretations of popular Brazilian singer Chico Buarque’s "A Ostra e o Vento," and Lyle Mays' "Chorinho." Kautz is currently touring in the U.S.