One of the most versatile percussionists to ever come out of Brazil, Paulinho Da Costa arrived in the United States in ’73 and immediately joined Sergio Mendes’ group. He had previously traveled with Brazilian groups as a percussionist and dancer. He has worked on projects ranging from the notorious Dizzy Gillespie’s disco record in ‘76, to the sublime Joao Gilberto’s Brasil also in ’76. He has released records as a bandleader, but his continuous and current input as a sideman -- with such diverse acts as Michael Jackson and the Offspring -- make him invaluable.