Hamilton de Holanda Trio

The bandolim (Brazilian mandolin) has a special place in Brazilian music, and Hamilton de Holanda is one of its leading players. He performs on a custom-made 10-string bandolim, known for fast, detailed improvisation that has expanded what the instrument can do.

A Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist and composer, de Holanda has taken the bandolim beyond traditional choro and Brazilian jazz. He has worked with artists including Chick Corea, Chucho Valdés, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Esperanza Spalding, Snarky Puppy, Dave Matthews, and Coldplay. His 2024 duo album Collab with Gonzalo Rubalcaba was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Latin Latin Jazz Album.

Alongside pianist Salomão Soares and drummer Thiago “Big” Rabello, he leads the Hamilton de Holanda Trio—an ensemble built on strong interaction, rhythmic complexity, and free improvisation. Soares brings a harmonic style shaped by jazz, classical music, and Brazil’s northeast traditions, while Rabello anchors the group with a responsive drumming style that blends Brazilian rhythms with the energy of modern jazz.

The trio’s new album NOVA continues this approach, bringing Brazilian music together with global influences.