New York (NY), USA - On Monday, April 9, the Jazz Standard in New York will present the U.S. debut of Trio 202 featuring Latin Grammy-nominee Toninho Ferragutti, whom Hermeto Pascoal has called "one of the best accordionists in the world", Ulisses Rocha (guitar), and Nelson Ayres (piano).
 
 Direct from São Paulo, Trio 202 is the ground-breaking new project of three of Brazil 's most exceptional virtuosos: accordion master Toninho Ferragutti, guitarist Ulisses Rocha and pianist Nelson Ayres. Their music, an interplay between the purest elements of national identity and the cosmopolitan impact of South America's biggest city, is a brilliantly idiosyncratic concept that opens a new chapter in Brazilian music.

The visionary accordionist/composer/ arranger Toninho Ferragutti has revitalized contemporary Brazilian music with a return to regional music -- choro, forró and gafiera -- interpreted in a contemporary context. Born into a musical family near São Paulo in 1959, he learned the essentials of the sanfona in the rodas de choro in the countryside. His conservatory studies took his virtuosity to a new level, and he became one of the most sought after instrumentalists in Brazil. His discography includes recordings with Gilberto Gil, Hermeto Pascoal, Marisa Monte, Monica Salmaso, and Mario Adnet. His debut recording "Sanfonemas", nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2000, established Ferragutti as the heir to Brazil's legendary accordionist, Luis Gonzaga. His current release, "Nem Sol Nem Lua" confirms his stature as a complex artist whose work transcends boundaries and categorization.

São Paulo guitarist Ulisses Rocha was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1960. Considered to be one of Brazil's finest guitarists, he formed the ground-breaking group D'Alma with guitarists André Geraissati and Mozart Mello - the trio's eclectic style, uniting classical, rock and Brazilian music are said to have been an influence on the trio of John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia, and Al di Meola. Best known among Rocha's discography are: "Fractal", "Moleque", "Caminhos Cruzados" and "Album 2000".

Pianist/composer/arranger Nelson Ayres represents the perfect synthesis between jazz and contemporary Brazilian music. A child prodigy, he began his studies at the conservatory of São Paulo at age 12. In 1969 he came to the U.S. to study at Berklee, and afterwards glided easily into work with Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Carter, as well as giants of brazilian music Milton Nascimento and Chico Buarque. For the past 15 years he has been the conductor and artistic director of Orquestra Jazz Sinfonica do Estado de São Paulo. His current release, "Perto do Coração", features Toninho Ferragutti as well as Teco Cardoso, Roberto Sion and San Francisco saxophonist Harvey Wainapel.

Tickets $15 at the Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th Street, Reservations: Tel. 212.576.2232
Sets at 7:30 & 9:30 PM

Further information: Ellen Azorin, Cantaloupe Music Productions, 212.724.2400