Geraldo de Oliveira started playing percussion professionally at the age of fourteen in his hometown
Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. He moved to Chicago in 1975.

His sounds have been heard in the recordings of many Chicago artists such as Ramsey Lewis, Judy Roberts, Jerry Butler, Tyrone Davis, Walter Jackson, Linda Clifford, Rich Fudoli, Bobby Lewis, Guy Fricano, Joannie Pallatto and Sparrow, Gene Chandler, The Chi Lites, Lesley Spencer, Mike Ferro, Andy Tecson, Scott Anderson, Chévere, Don Stiernberg, Robin Lukas, Paulinho Garcia, Grazyna Auguscik, Bobby Schiff, Allison Ruble, Arlene Bardell, The Numa Band, and others. He was also a guest artist on the last album recorded by world famous drummer Buddy Rich.

Geraldo is a guest faculty member for the Birch Creek Music Center in Door County, Wisconsin, and Brazilian percussion instructor for the Old Town School of Folk Music. Geraldo has conducted Brazilian percussion clinics and master classes at many high schools, colleges, and music organizations in the USA and abroad.  Geraldo has been a presenter on Brazilian Percussion at PAS events, and recently, received the 2013 Dal Segno Recognition for Professional Achievement.

Geraldo performs regularly in the Chicago area with different groups including Trio Copacabana, Paulinho Garcia, Planeta Azul, and the Lake Side Singers. He is also the featured percussionist for Andy Tecson’s musical productions “The Jazz Passion” and “Bending Towards the Light”.

Geraldo plays:

geraldo de oliveira

brazilian percussion