Playing with fiery passion and an eclectic sense of style that blends jazz, funk and fusion with a heady dose of Afro-Cuban flavor, Vera Figueiredo is Brazil’s “Queen of Drumming”. Her long list of performance credits includes such greats as Eliane Elias, Hermeto Pascoal and Joao Doato, while her CD, “Vera Cruz Island”, (featuring Dave Weckl and Robby Ameen) is a critical favorite. Undoubtedly one of the hottest drummers on the international scene today, Vera pumps up her Brazilian roots with rock energy (she was raised on Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin) and fusion technique. As a result, her performances are exciting, fun and full of feel. Her school, the Vera Figueiredo Drum Institute, is a centerpoint for the Brazilian drummer scene.

Q & A

BORN IN: Sao Paulo, Brazil

LIVES IN: Sao Paulo, Brazil

DRUMMING SINCE: Professionally since 16 years of age.

CURRENT BAND/PROJECT: Vera Figueiredo Quartet/Trio

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S): My teacher Rubens Barsotti. Airto Moreira, Milton Banana, Joe Morello, Art Blakey, Buddy Rich, Dom Famularo, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, John Riley, David Garibaldi, Osvaldinho da Cuica.

FAVOURITE ALBUM PLAYED ON: Vera Cruz Island

FAVOURITE ALBUM DIDN’T PLAY ON: Bill Evans

CAREER HIGHLIGHT(S): I’ve had a lot of very special career highlights.  But some magic and different moments were a recording session with Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Virgil Donati & Mike Stern; with the Avon Symphony Orchestra playing with the Brazilian singer and composer Milton Nascimento, and at Montréal Drum Fest!

FAVOURITE SABIAN CYMBAL: The Crazy VFX Distortion Hats