Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, José Luiz Martins is a pianist, composer, bandleader, and producer based in the Washington, DC area. Celebrated for his innovative approach and deeply expressive music, he draws on Brazil’s rich musical heritage while seamlessly blending Brazilian rhythms with jazz, classical, rock, and contemporary influences to create a distinctive and captivating sound.

José Luiz Martins has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across Brazil, Europe, and the Americas, sharing the stage with renowned musicians and ensembles. He has released four albums as a leader, while his work as a solo artist, bandleader, and collaborator has earned critical acclaim and recognition from music communities in the United States and abroad.

A gifted performer and arranger, Martins is known for his distinctive harmonic sensibility and masterful improvisation. His compositions explore connections and contrasts among musical styles and cultural traditions, as well as the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation. These explorations have resonated with audiences around the world.

Martins’s fourth album, Odyssey Mixtape, was released on Origin Records in April 2025 and received acclaim from publications including DownBeat Magazine, Modern Drummer, Paris Move, and Contemporary Fusion. Later that year, the José Luiz Martins Quartet won the prestigious DC Jazz Prix at the DC JazzFest.

Deeply committed to his craft, Martins continues to expand the possibilities of contemporary music while honoring the rich traditions of his Brazilian heritage.