»“Philippe has captivated a new generation of jazz lovers with his exuberant yet seductive musical sound as his star continuously rises. Heartfelt melodies and stellar arrangements exemplify his world-class appeal and songwriting skills.” « Sounds of Timeless Jazz

Philippe Baden Powell de Aquino was born in Paris on April 15th 1978. He comes from a very musical family: his great-grandfather was a bandleader, his grandfather was a violinist and his father was Brazilian guitarist and composer Baden Powell. By the age of 3, Philippe had already decided to become a musician. He started studying classical music at age 7, and later became interested in improvisation, Brazilian music and Jazz.

Philippe learned most of the basics of music writing, harmony and improvisation from his father, Baden Powell. He also studied with Brazilian piano masters Sonia Maria Vieira, Luiz Avellar, Antonio Adolfo and Edson Elias, and participated in Lynne Arriale and Kenny Werner jazz master classes.

At age 13 he started playing with his father and younger brother, guitarist Marcel Powell. They toured all over the globe performing in many clubs such as le Petit Journal Montparnasse in Paris, and the Rio Jazz Club, festivals such as North Sea, and various music halls worldwide. In 1994, he recorded his first record with his father and brother live in Rio “Baden Powell e Filhos”. In 1997, he participated as a featured guest on his father record “Suite Afro-Consolação”.

Since then, Philippe has worked as a pianist/keyboardist, arranger and producer with many Brazilian artists such as actor/singer Seu Jorge, singer Maria Bethânia, Flora Purim and Airto Moreira, composer Roberto Menescal, rapper Marcelo D2, trumpeter Marcio Montarroyos and many others. In 2001, his collaboration with French singer Benjamin Legrand, son of the world known composer Michel Legrand, became a Bossa-Nova tribute album “Samba in Preludio/Quand tu t’ en vas”.

As a solo artist, Philippe has played in festivals such as Festival d’ été de Québec, Festival Musiques sur l’ îsle in France, Cello Encounter in Rio, as well as clubs and music halls in Paris, Tokyo and New York City. He has also played duos with multi-instrumentalist Carlos Malta, pianist Wagner Tiso and guitarist Victor Biglione. In 2005, Philippe was 3rd price award at the Montreux Jazz Piano solo Competition. His first album “Estrada de Terra/Dirt Road” has just been released by NYC label Adventure Music.

Philippe’s experiences living in Brazil and Europe has allowed him to learn the musical culture of different countries and has greatly influenced his musical approach and sound which is a mix of classical music, jazz and Brazilian music.

Philippe is now based in Paris and has been working on solo projects as a pianist/composer/producer.