Rubens Salles is a New York-based contemporary composer, pianist, and improviser who hails from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. His music seamlessly blends a wide range of influences, from the rich, rhythmic traditions of Brazilian music to jazz, contemporary classical, and electronic experimentation. Known for his fearless approach to crossing genres, Salles has carved out a unique space within the contemporary music scene.

With over ten critically acclaimed albums and more than 500 performances worldwide, Rubens has established himself as a boundary-pushing artist, dedicated to creating immersive and transformative musical experiences. His concept ofLiquid Gravity—a spontaneous, free-form style that merges structured composition with real-time improvisation—reflects his artistic philosophy of merging the planned with the unexpected. This concept is most evident in his live performances, which often feature renowned musicians such as French horn player John Clark, one of the key performers of the world- famous Gil Evans’ big band, frequently joins him in concerts in New York and other locations.

Salles’ approach to composition is marked by a deep commitment to expanding the language of contemporary classical music. He integrates elements of his Brazilian heritage, such as baião and bumba-meu-boi rhythms, into avant-garde structures, resulting in a vibrant and distinctive musical language. Influenced by visionaries like Cecil Taylor and Hermeto Pascoal, Rubens Salles’ work has redefined the possibilities of jazz and contemporary classical music, creating compositions that are simultaneously complex, expressive, and innovative.

Beyond his work as a performer and recording artist, Rubens is a dedicated educator and scholar. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in composition at the University of Miami, he also teaches composition and theory to undergraduate students. His academic background includes a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from the New England Conservatory, a master’s in composition from Brooklyn College, a professional diploma in Professional Music – Jazz from Berklee College of Music, an Artist Diploma in Jazz Performance from NYU, and Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano from FAAM Brazil. This extensive academic training underpins his creative practice, enabling him to bridge the worlds of performance, composition, and academia.

As an artist, Rubens Salles is committed to challenging conventional musical boundaries and inspiring new generations of musicians through both his innovative compositions and his work as an educator. He continues to seek out new opportunities to collaborate, record, and perform, always pushing the limits of sound, style, and genre.