Rubens De la Corte

Biography

Rubens de La Corte, was born in Sao Paulo-Brazil. He began studying classical guitar at the age of nine and picked up the electric guitar at thirteen. Rubens’ professional career started at sixteen when he began performing in local clubs and theaters in Sao Paulo.

Rubens' first project was “The Rubens de La Corte Group”. The ensemble performed Rubens’ original compositions as well as Brazilian, jazz and fusion standards. The group was active from ‘87-‘93.

Rubens graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music, in Boston, in 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Composition and Guitar Performance.

At Berklee, Rubens co-founded and co-led the vocal/guitar group Brazz Jazz. The group performed jazz and Brazilian standards and has remained true to its original goal throughout the years.

Rubens successfully completed a masters program at Queens College (CUNY) after moving to New York City. He received a Masters of Arts Degree in Jazz Performance in 2001.

In 2001, Rubens was invited to be the Musical Director and guitar player for west african and three times Grammy Winner Angelique Kidjo. Prior to embarking on their first world tour, Rubens recorded the guitar tracks for Angelique’s 2002 Grammy Nominated CD, "Black Ivory Soul".

Rubens performed with Angelique Kidjo for ten years. They toured the world several times including concerts in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North, Central and South America.​

In May 2004, the incomparable Brazilian-Jazz pianist and two times Grammy winner Eliane Elias, invited Rubens to join her group. From 2004 until today, they have toured extensively in Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Rubens has been a regular faculty member at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM) in Chennai, India since 2011. During the residency programs, Rubens teaches guitar, harmony, arranging, ensembles and shares knowledge of what it means to be a professional musician in today’s world.

Inspired by his travels around the world, Rubens has, for the past three years, developed a new songwriting project called "Nomad". "Nomad" combines different music styles from Brazil, North/West Africa with elements of Jazz, Rock and Soul. Many renowned musicians and friends participated in the project including: Angelique Kidjo, Zeca Baleiro, Jair Oliveira, Oswaldinho do Acordeon, Jason Lindner, Ulisses Rocha, Di Melo, Karina Zeviani etc. “Nomad” is Rubens’ first album as a Singer/Songwriter. He co-wrote, arranged and co-produced the majority of it. "Nomad" was released in 2015.