José Neto

• Name — José Pires de Almeida Neto • Born — 1954 • Birthplace — São Paulo, Brazil • Occupation — Jazz Guitarist • Years Active — 1970–present • Alias — José Neto • Associated Acts — Netoband, Steve Winwood, Harry Belafonte • Instruments — Electric nylon string guitar with polysubbass • Website — http: www.joseneto.com

Neto started learning guitar from his mother at the age of four and began classical guitar lessons at the age of twelve, later studying at the music academy in his hometown. Beginning in 1970, he taught the guitar and had his own band, "Plato". In 1978 he became a member of Harry Belafonte's band. In 1982 Neto moved to San Francisco and was soon playing with Tania Maria, Paquito D’Rivera, Hugh Masekela, Herbie Mann, and Airto Moreira. In 1990 he became the musical director and composer for the band Fourth World, along with Moreira and Flora Purim. He also has recorded with George Benson. Since 2001, he has played with the Netoband, playing at various festivals through Europe and the United States. As a result, Neto joined Steve Winwood's band as their 2003 world tour began. He has been seen performing with Winwood on The View, Good Morning America, and Late Night with David Letterman, among other national television programs. He has lived in Fairfax, California since the 1980s.

• Martin Kunzler, Jazz-Lexikon Bd. 2. Reinbek 2002;