"... ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED MUSICIANS TO COME OUT OF BRAZIL IN RECENT YEARS ..."
Claudio Roditi
Featured Projects
Jazz & Samba Conversations is a show in partnership with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, where Sam invites a Jazz master to play and discuss the connections between Jazz and Brazilian music.
Other Episodes
- Marcus McLaurine( bass player for Clark Terry for more than 30 years)
- Hendrik Meurkens (one of the world's leading exponents of the jazz harmonica)
Sam Martinelli is a musician, producer, and educator based in New York City with a Master Degree in Jazz Studies from the City University of New York.
He has shared the stage and studio with renowned names in Brazilian Jazz, such as Ken Peplowski, Alcione, Hendrik Meurkens, Marcus McLaurine, Russell Malone, Kenia, Peter Washington, John DiMartino, and Helio Alves.
He was a member of Claudio Roditi’s group from 2017 to 2020, during which Roditi referred to him as “… one of the most talented musicians to come out of Brazil in recent years.”
His debut album as a leader, Crossing Paths, was recorded in 2018 featuring Claudio Roditi, Marcus McLaurine, and Tomoko Ohno. On this album, Martinelli “… provides strong originals, and delivers with grace, while his seasoned colleagues magnify his intentions and find deeper meaning in the notes and tones of the project.” (AllAboutJazz)
Samuel is a teaching artist at New Jersey Performing Arts Center and a specialist in the Brazilian idiom. He gives workshops and masterclasses at universities and other educational institutions, including Queens College, NJPac, and Litchfield Jazz Camp.
LISTEN
'JAZZ MEETS THE GREAT BRAZILIAN SONGBOOK'
'CROSSING PATHS'
with Claudio Roditi
