Rodney de Assis is a Brazilian percussionist whose four-decade career spans Brazil, Spain, and Southern California. From samba schools and symphony orchestras to flamenco, electronic music, and meditation projects, he has collaborated with internationally recognized musicians while building a life and career in California.
Rodney de Assis’s international journey as a Brazilian percussionist from Rio de Janeiro to Spain and Southern California
From samba schools and symphony orchestras to flamenco, studio recordings, and meditative music, the Rio-born artist has spent more than four decades using percussion to connect cultures across three continents. For Rodney, percussion has always been more than rhythm. It has been a passport – one that has taken him from Brazil to Spain and eventually to Southern California, building a career shaped by curiosity, discipline, and encounters with some of the most respected names in music.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, the musician first studied piano at age six. At 12, he returned to music through the trumpet in his school band. After moving with his family to Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, he discovered a stronger connection with drums and percussion. By 17, he was playing with the bateria of the samba school Mocidade Unida da Glória.
A year later, he helped create Grupo Natureza, performing original music, and later joined Roça de Milho, a group that gained recognition in Espírito Santo and traveled to Rio to record an album. During this period, Rodney developed a lasting creative partnership with composer Zé Antônio, whom Djavan once recognized as one of Espírito Santo’s notable songwriters.
Rodney’s early professional years included performances in bars and clubs around Vitória, Vila Velha, and Guarapari, tours with singer-songwriter Chico Lessa, and two years with the Espírito Santo Symphony Orchestra under conductor Jaciguay Lins. But classical percussion alone could not satisfy his curiosity. He wanted to explore Brazilian popular percussion, African rhythms, and Latin instruments. That search led him to São Paulo, where he studied with percussionists including Armando Tibério, Mestre Dinho, and Fernando Marconi, while also attending FAP-Arte and the Conservatório do Morumbi.
In 1985, he joined the innovative band of Brazilian artist May East, recording Remota Batucada and Tabaporã. The group’s electronic approach – combining percussion, electronic drums, keyboards, and processed guitar – placed it at the forefront of Brazil’s experimental popular music scene. In 1987, Rodney moved to Madrid and began what would become a remarkable 20-year chapter in Spain. He estimates that he recorded on more than 200 albums and worked with artists including Miguel Ríos, Ketama, Alejandro Sanz, Clara Montes, and flamenco pianist Dorantes. Most importantly, he spent 15 years as a member of percussionist Rubem Dantas group.
“Rubem Dantas was my great master and my greatest idol,” Rodney says. “I learned so much from him, especially about playing flamenco.”
Rodney de Assis’s collaborations with internationally recognized artists, including Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Ríos, Rubem Dantas, and other influential musicians
His path to the U.S began at the San Sebastián Film Festival, where a Hollywood producer saw him perform and later offered him a contract. Rodney arrived in Los Angeles in 2006 to record percussion for Newcastle Productions, which supplied music for film, television, and radio. When the company later relocated to Hong Kong, Rodney chose to remain in California.
He became active in the local Brazilian music community, performed at venues such as the former Zabumba, and worked with artists including Kleber Jorge, Grecco Buratto, and Daniel Carneiro. He also recorded with the heavy metal group Black Oil, performed with American band Delta Nove, founded the electronic project Brand New Bag, and served as bateria director for samba school Sambalá. Along the way, he met and performed with legendary percussionists such as Carlinhos Pandeiro de Ouro and Airto Moreira.
Today, one of his projects with Daniel Carneiro explores sound healing through music for meditation and expanded consciousness. Now, he feels deeply connected to Southern California’s climate, beaches, and cultural diversity. A surfer as well as a musician, he describes the ocean as his “beach pharmacy.” His own story proves that talent can open doors – but curiosity, preparation, and human connection are what allow an artist to keep moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
1. Who is Rodney de Assis?
Rodney de Assis is a Brazilian percussionist born in Rio de Janeiro who has built an international music career spanning Brazil, Spain, and Southern California. His work includes samba, orchestral music, flamenco, electronic music, studio recordings, and music for meditation.
2. When did Rodney de Assis move to the United States?
Rodney moved to Los Angeles in 2006 after a Hollywood producer saw him perform at the San Sebastián Film Festival and offered him a contract to record percussion for Newcastle Productions.
3. Which musicians has Rodney de Assis worked with?
Throughout his career, Rodney has collaborated with artists including Miguel Ríos, Ketama, Alejandro Sanz, Clara Montes, Dorantes, Rubem Dantas, May East, Kleber Jorge, Grecco Buratto, and Daniel Carneiro. He has also performed with American band Delta Nove and recorded with the heavy metal group Black Oil.
4. How did Rodney de Assis become involved with flamenco music?
Rodney developed his knowledge of flamenco during his years in Spain, particularly through his 15-year association with percussionist Rubem Dantas, whom he describes as his greatest musical mentor.
5. What is Rodney de Assis doing in Southern California?
Rodney remains active in music and collaborates on projects that explore different musical styles, including work with Daniel Carneiro focused on sound, meditation, and expanded consciousness. He also enjoys surfing and the coastal lifestyle of Southern California.
