Da Fonseca's musical goal is a blending of samba with jazz. "It's always been my dream to mix jazz with samba. Many people think that jazz has only been mixed with bossa nova. But while that was happening in Brazil, a lot of people were playing samba with a Blue Note vibe, like (trombonist) Raul de Souza, and drummers Edison Machado, Milton Banana, and Dom Um Romao, and pianists Dom Salvador and Tenorio, Jr." And today, that special kind of music is played by Da Fonseca, a brilliant drummer who has had no formal musical training - "I learned in the streets, not bragging, but it's important."

Duduka was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1951. He began playing the drums at the age of twelve. By fifteen, he was appearing on television, performing with the top musicians in Brazil. In 1975 Duduka moved to New York where he established numerous Brazilian jazz groups. One of these groups, Brazilian Express, appeared on a national PBS television special. The New York Samba Band performed at the Blue Note, Fat Tuesday's and the Village Gate. The Brazilian Jazz All Stars featured artists Bob Mintzer, Eliane Elias and Randy Brecker.

Duduka has performed and recorded with such artists as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Herbie Mann, Claudio Roditi, Joanne Brackeen, Eddie Gomez, John Scofield, Joe Henderson, Gerry Mulligan, Jorge Dalto, Dom Salvador, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Emily Remler, Nana Vasconcelos, New York Voices, Tom Harrel, Wayne Shorter and many others.

Since 1984, he has been a member of the faculty at the Drummer's Collective where he conducts workshops and gives private lessons. Duduka has also conducted workshops in Europe and Japan. He is the author of an instructional book and tape set entitled Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset, published by Manhattan Music/DCI. His latest recording is Samba Jazz in Black & White on the Zoho Music label.

March 30-April 2 @ the Iridium Jazz Club 1650 Broadway (Corner of 51st) New York, NY 10023 Reservations: 212-582-2121, www.iridiumjazzclub.com Sets at 8 & 10PM- Fri. & Sat. 3rd Sets 11:30PM