DCWJBF Jazz Headliner
José Luiz Martins 4tet

Artist Website

5:30 p.m. May 23 | Return to Lineup Page

“Hailing from the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, José Luiz Martins is a pianist-composer-bandleader and producer based in the Washington, DC area. He is highly celebrated for his innovative approach and deeply expressive music. Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of his homeland, Jose (pron. ‘Joe-zay’) seamlessly incorporates Brazilian rhythms with flavors of jazz, classical, rock, and contemporary music, creating a thoroughly unique 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. His recordings as a solo artist, bandleader, and collaborator have received much critical acclaim, earning him awards and recognition from both national and international music communities and cohorts.

A gifted performer and arranger, José Luiz Martins has a reputation for his distinctive harmonic sensibility and masterful improvisation skills. Jose Luiz's compositions often explore commonalities and distinct characteristics between and shared by music styles, cultural roots, and the interplay of tradition and innovation. These explorations have truly resonated with audiences across the globe.

Martins's fourth album, Odyssey Mixtape was released on Origin Records in April, 2025.

Odyssey Mixtape garnered media acclaim from such prestigious publications as DownBeat Magazine, Modern Drummer, Paris Move, and Contemporary Fusion among others. In 2025 the José Luiz Martins quartet won the prestigious DCJazzPrix band competition at the DC JazzFest.

Deeply committed to his craft, José Luiz Martins continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music while honoring the rich traditions of his Brazilian culture. Whether performing onstage or creating in the studio, José Luiz Martin’s artistry and passion leave an indelible mark on his audiences.”