Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Rod Mancebo's musical journey has been woven with determination and artistic exploration. Raised in a home where his father's LPs filled his childhood, Rod's first encounter with music began at the age of 7 when he played the piano keys. A twist of fate led him to an electric guitar at the age of 14, igniting a passion that would last a lifetime.
In 1993, Rod immersed himself in Rock and Metal, forming his first band and gaining recognition in the underground scene of Belo Horizonte. A turning point occurred in 2000 when an accident resulted in the loss of all movement in his left hand, temporarily silencing his guitar. Overcoming adversity, Rod emerged stronger, dedicating an entire year to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, determined to regain the ability to play. It was during this period of unwavering dedication that he shaped his resilience, redirecting his path to embrace classical studies in Vitória, Brazil. Jazz called to him, intriguing him alongside his classical pursuits.
The Bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar in 2006 was a milestone. Moving to Germany in 2007, Rod's journey continued, marked by teaching, personal projects, and musical evolution. In 2014, with his first album ("Rod Mancebo"), a live-in-studio instrumental Jazz trio recorded in a day, he gained respect and notoriety in the local scene. "Electrified Hope" followed in 2017, blending rock influences and compositional skills. The ambitious "Project Song Diary," featuring 365 compositions in 2018, showcased Rod's dedication and resilience.
A mentorship with Kiko Loureiro in 2019 signaled growth. Projects like Duo FerRo thrived until the onset of the pandemic. Despite challenges, Rod embarked on online projects like "Three-O" and released remastered editions, embodying his stoicism.
In 2022, he reached new heights, recording the album "Maggie's Dreams" in the USA with acclaimed Jazz musicians from Illinois. In the same year, he released the album "Suite For An End," consisting of the last seven songs from the "Project Song Diary," properly remixed and released under the pseudonym "The Dopamine Sessions."
As 2023 unfolded, Rod Mancebo's journey entered a new chapter. "Maggie's Dream" showcases his boundless creativity. A series of exciting projects continues to shape Rod's narrative, with more concerts featuring "Duo FerRo," "Electric Mood Boosters," and "Duo Pastorello Und Mancebo." His solo project, "Bossa and Roll," captivates the audience with its unique charm.
Notably, a European tour with the Rod Mancebo Trio is scheduled for 2024, promising to connect his music to an even wider audience.
In early 2024, he released the EP "Mea Vox" under "The Dopamine Sessions," consisting of 4 songs composed at different moments in his career, all in Portuguese. In "Mea Vox," Rod not only sang but also played guitar (obviously), bass, piano/keyboard, and programmed the entire drum kit.
Rod Mancebo's odyssey is a symphony in constant evolution, a testament to his passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the art of music. In each note, he weaves a story that resonates across borders and generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sound.