José Pino Quartet:
The newly formed José Pino Quartet brings vibrant original compositions and fresh interpretations of Latin jazz standards to the stage, combining the rhythmic depth of African American and Latin American music with the improvisational spirit of jazz.
Book a live concert featuring an exceptional lineup: José Pino on guitar, Roohari on saxophone, with bass by Ursula Wienken, Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves, or Dimitris Christopoulos, and drums by Daniel Bagutti or Mauro Martins.
contact | press kit
Lineup:
José Pino
Guitar
Zurich-based guitarist, composer and producer José Pino started off as a young singer and guitarist in Quito, Ecuador, later mastering wind and percussion instruments and specialising in Brazilian jazz guitar. He pursued higher education in Computer Music, Music Theory and Composition at the Zurich University of the Arts ZHdK. José Pino’s music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of African-American and Latin American music, while it pushes the boundaries of electronic and electroacoustic music. The influence of his diverse experiences, including his time spent living in vibrant cultural hubs like Hong Kong and Shanghai, left an indelible mark on his artistic vision. José has earned international acclaim for his innovative compositions, which have been performed at prestigious venues worldwide.
full bio
Roohari
Saxophone
The multiintrumenalist and composer Roohari boasts over 15 years of rich experience within the music industry. Holding a degree in music from Souza Lima & Berklee in Brazil, Roohari has collaborated with prominent figures in Brazilian music. Alongside a successful career as an educator spanning 7 years, Roohari delves into innovative realms, exploring improvisation techniques fused with meditation, interdisciplinary artistic connections, and insights drawn from everyday experiences. Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, and currently based in Cremona, Italy, his expertise lies in bossa nova and Brazilian music, with a focus on saxophone performance and composition.
Ursula Wienken
Electric bass
Ursula Wienken, born in 2001, is a German-Polish bassist, composer, and bandleader based in Cologne. She is skilled in electric and double bass, specializing in rhythmic and danceable music. Originally from Neuss, Germany, Ursula began her musical journey with the acoustic guitar at age seven and added the electric bass at nine. She later expanded her repertoire to include the double bass upon starting studies at the Hochschule Für Musik und Tanz in Cologne in 2020. Ursula has performed at prestigious festivals such as the North Sea Jazz Festival and has toured across Europe. She has played in notable ensembles such as LaJazzO NRW and the Bundesjugendjazzorchester, and in 2022, she was awarded the Neusser Kunstförderpreis for her contributions as a young bassist and composer.
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves
Bass
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves is a Brazilian bassist, guitarist, and composer with deep Congolese and Angolan roots. His musical journey began early, playing gospel and African music as part of his parents’ family band, the Kuziem Singers. After completing his studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), he discovered a passion for South American and Caribbean music, establishing a second home near São Paulo, Brazil, for five years. Since returning to Switzerland in 2019, he has been composing and performing in various ensembles, such as Nuna, the Kaan Peeters Quartett, and the José Pino Quartet, blending gospel, hip-hop, African, Caribbean, and South American music into his repertoire. Photo © Martina Knecht
watch La casa de nadie Podcast episode with Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves
Dimitris Christopoulos
Bass
The bassist and arranger Dimitris Christopoulos was born in Athens. He began studying classical guitar at the age of twelve and four years later, he studied electric bass and double bass at the Nakas Jazz School and Zografou Classical School. His virtuosity on the instrument is exceptional. Since earning his diploma, he has been touring Europe as a professional bassist with various jazz, salsa, and Latin jazz artists, including Tito Nieves, Jerry Rivera, Jose Alberto "El Canario," Mercado Negro, Alex Wilson, Malia, Pee Wee Ellis, and Matt Bianco, to name just a few.
Daniel Bagutti
Drums
Swiss drummer and percussionist Daniel Bagutti began playing drums at the age of five and pursued formal training with jazz musician Silvano Borzacchiello from 2003 to 2009, where he discovered his passion could grow into a career. His musical journey began with notable appearances alongside Claudio Pontiggia's bands Desamper and La Bottega. Daniel has performed with various Swiss bands and graced stages at rock, jazz, and blues festivals across Switzerland. In 2011 he ventured to New York City, performing at prestigious venues like Zinc Bar and Blue Note. Collaborating with musicians like John Lander and Dylan Kaminkow, he released his album Interweave (2015). Returning to Europe in 2014, Daniel joined Michael Fleiner y su Septeto Internacional, touring in renowned jazz festivals across Switzerland and South America. Throughout his career, Daniel has shared the stage with esteemed musicians like Juan Munguia, Dudu Penz, and Chip Crawford.
Mauro Martins
Drummer
Bassist and drummer Mauro Martins comes from the southern Brazilian city of Curitiba. He took up guitar and percussion at the early age of six. A European resident for many years, he has participated in many different musical worlds. He is a highly sought-after session man, arranger and composer, and he has collaborated with first class pop and jazz musicians, such as Phil Collins, Tania Maria, Richard Galliano und Chico César. From Montreux to New York’s Blue Note and Birdland, he has played at festivals and clubs all over the world. His speciality is a funk- and jazz-driven playing on the six-string electric bass, uniting incredible virtuosity with an intriguing melodic quality. Photo © Markus Lackinger
watch Zurich Jam Session feat. Mauro Martins