Cláudio Infante, an active session drummer in Brazil, has been backing up acts such as Ed Motta (as a member of his band from 1992 to 1994) and Marisa Monte (1997), having also performed internationally in New York with Kid Abelha (1987), and with Leo Gandelman (1997). Infante also participated in the JVC Jazz Festival at the Art Institute in New York. He accompanied Ed Motta in Paris (1993) and Déborah Blando in Miami (1997). He also participated in the New Year's Eve party for the King of Morocco in Fez. Infante also has backed up musicians like Heitor T.P., Sheila E., and Arthur Maia. From 1989 to 1983, he was the drummer and percussionist of the group Garage, formed by Arthur Maia and Paulinho Soledade, among others. He also performed with Kid Abelha from 1985 to 1988, participating in the recording of the CD Kid Abelha Ao Vivo (1987) and in the group's international tour. From 1983 to 1997, Infante was a member of the band Pulsar (with Arthur Maia and Heitor T.P.). Cláudio Infante started playing music at seven, learning the drums. At ten he joined Zé Renato and Cláudio Nucci in Grupo Agora, which performed in schools in Rio de Janeiro. From 1977 to 1978, Infante studied at the Villa-Lobos public school of music, also taking private classes with American drummer Bob Wyatt in 1983. In New York, he participated in workshops with teachers Tommy Campbel, Harvey Mason, and John Riley, from 1988 to 1992, and also in 1996. ~ Alvaro Neder