Bola Sete Biography

Guitarist / Jazz Musician

Name at birth: Djalma de Andrade

Bola Sete ("Seven Ball") was the performing nickname of Brazilian guitarist Djalma de Andrade. Known first as a folk guitarist in his home country, he gained modest fame in America playing jazz with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and later with pianist (and "Peanuts" composer) Vince Guaraldi. Heading his own trio, Sete became part of the 1960s San Francisco music scene, playing the Monterey Jazz Festival and headlining at the Fillmore. After a career centered around central California, he died of lung cancer at the age of 63.

Bola Sete appears with Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane in our loop on Black History.

Other jazzy guitarists: Django Reinhardt, Doc Watson, Bill Frisell and Chet Atkins.