José Neto was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and started playing guitar at the age of four.  His family, as so many others in Brazil, played music, and Neto first learned to play guitar from his mother, and then from his uncle.  His father introduced him to the music of Jimi Hendrix, and Neto instantly took to the exciting blend of influences that Hendrix displayed.  At the age of 18, he moved to New York City and shortly thereafter was hired by Harry Belafonte for his touring band, serving over 20 years with Harry.  Neto became his musical director and played throughout the world in concerts, television and recordings.  In the mid-eighties, Neto met famed Brazilian percussionist Airto and his wife Flora Purim, and they formed the group Fourth World, which toured extensively, and introduced Neto to the world of modern jazz.  Combining influences, Neto extended his music and soon formed the Netoband, and began playing his own compositions.  The Netoband shows have become an annual event at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, attracting many well-known musicians.  Steve Winwood was one of the musicians who became impresses with Neto’s style, and they began playing and recording together in England.  In 2003 they collaborated on Winwood’s recording “About Time” and have toured the world together in support of the CD, and are planning more music together. 

Celso Alberti comes from the south of Brazil. His drumming propels the Netoband into cascading rhythmic waves with a dynamic feel that few drummers can ever realize. He runs MoonDog Studios in Alameda, CA, where he functions as a producer for local and international musicians. For more information, visit: http://www.celsoalberti.com

Frank Martin is known throughout the Bay Area as one of the freshest and most talented keyboardists. His unique sounds and style, coaxed from the cold chips of a synthesizer combine with Jose's guitar to produce a marvelous sense of melody and rhythm that are the trademarks of the Netoband sound. He records and performs a wide range of musical styles, and has been the musical director for numerous large ensembles and groups.

Gary Brown’s bass playing puts the Netoband in a class of its own. His rhythmic mastery combines with Alberti’s drumming to provide a solid, delightful base for the band’s twists and turns. His five and six-string basses provide a framework that the other players connect with through audio osmosis. For more information, visit: http://www.mellowtonemusic.com/

Café is the newest member of the Netoband. He originates from Saõ Paulo, Brazil, and has recorded and performed with James Taylor, Roberta Flack, and many others. He brings a strong spiritual side to the Netoband music, his precise percussion and soulful vocals adding much to the sound.