The Bossa Brothers Trio Resume

      I've been playing piano for about 40 years and I've always been attracted to the different Afro-American forms of music starting with Rock n' Roll which lead me to the Blues which turned me on to Jazz which took me to New Orleans. From there, I explored the sounds of the Caribbean and South America. It's Music as celebration, sadness, overcoming obstacles, a way to build community and bring people together. In the late 90's I had the opportunity to work with a real Sambista and learn Brazilian Music in an authentic manner. Since then I just can't get enough. Anyway, this band is a vehicle for me and my musical brothers to share with you some of the joy and excitement that this music brings to us. We hope you enjoy it too. Thank you for your time.

JIM ORR – Keyboards and Vocals

Jim has been playing piano for forty years and has studied music at Purdue University and Harford Community College. He has played extensively in the Mid-Atlantic region as a member of groups such as The Persuaders (which he founded in 1988 and is still active), The Pan American Rhythm Project, The Samba Bossa Four, Root Boy Slim, Fat Tuesday, The James Offie Band and Freewater. He has appeared on stage with Chuck Magione, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, The English Beat, The Radiators, and The Nighthawks and presented "The 90s Swing Revival" a lecture and performance at Johns Hopkins University in 1999. Jim started The Bossa Brothers Trio in 2010 with fellow Persuaders Rastabla and Jeff Muller to focus on Brazilian and Latin rhythms.

RASTABLA – Drums and Vocals

A well traveled musician, having played in Texas, California, and the East Coast, Rastabla has worked with The Persuaders (since 1993), The Pan American Rhythm Project, Dawada, Urban Roots, and Tempus Fugit in the Mid-Atlantic area. He has opened shows for reggae greats such as The Wailers and Toots and the Maytalls. His groove oriented drumming and smooth, soulful singing has is an important ingredient in The Bossa Brothers Trio’s sound.

JEFF MULLER – Bass and Vocals

Jeff began his musical journey at a young age as one of the earliest Elvis impersonators. He co-founded the Dirty City Band, and worked with The Persuaders, The Pan American Project, Meg Murray, Eva Cassidy, Rich Chorne’, Linwood Battle, and August West among others in the Annapolis area. In1997 Jeff released his solo CD Jes Grew featuring a who’s who of prominent local players. While living in New Orleans, Jeff performed at festivals around the country and in Europe. He also performed with Allen Toussaint, Cryil Neville, Ernie K-Doe plus a slew of talented but less familiar names.
Updated:  February 10, 2011

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