Biography

Started studying classic piano at age 9. Studied jazz with Horace Parlan and Sir Roland Hanna. Started playing jazz professionally in 1988 in Portugal, and has since given concerts all over the world. Has recorded many CDs, in solo or as part of different ensembles, including a participation in Guy Barker's 3rd CD, alongside the London Philarmonic Orchestra and Sting.

He has scored original soundtracks for some classic Portuguese movies, such as Os Crimes de Diogo Alves (1911) (João Tavares) and Maria do Mar (1930) (J. Leitão de Barros) as well as for more recent films: Knives and Angels (2000) (Eduardo Guedes) and "Aniversário" (Mário Barroso, 2000).

With his trio he represented Portugal in the 1st European Jazz Festival in Athens, 2001.
- IMDb mini biography by: Miguel Tecedeiro

Grand-nephew of composers Luís de Freitas Branco and Pedro de Freitas Branco, first cousin once removed of João de Freitas Branco and second cousin once removed of Sofia Sá da Bandeira.

He is a great-grandson by male line of Sidónio Bernardino Cardoso da Silva Pais, 99th Prime-Minister and 4th President of the Republic of Portugal.

Has eight older siblings: Maria de Lourdes da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. Lisbon, 11 April 1953), Sidónio da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. São Sebastião da Pedreira, Lisbon, 21 June 1954), Pedro da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. 7 July 1955), Isabel Maria da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. 6 May 1957), Maria do Rosário da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. Lisbon, 8 September 1960), Maria do Carmo da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. Lisbon, 8 June 1962) and Francisco da Costa Sassetti Pais (b. 6 December 1964).

Son of Sidónio de Freitas Branco Pais (b. Mercês, Lisboa, 11 November 1925, d. São Mamede, Lisbon, 4 December 2006), great-grandson of the 1st Count of Vila Franca do Campo Nobleman of Coat of Arms of de Albuquerque (crest), de Sousa of the Lords of the Prado, da Costa and de Macedo with crown of Count and great-great-grandnephew of the 1st Viscount of the Nogueiras, and wife and second and third cousin (m. 8 November 1951) Maria de Lourdes da Costa de Sousa de Macedo Sassetti (b. 15 de Junho de 1929), of remote Italian descent, great-granddaughter of the 5th Viscount de juro e herdade and 3rd Count of Mesquitela Nobleman of Coat of Arms of da Costa (crest), de Sousa of the Lords of the Prado, de Macedo and de Albuquerque with crowns of Viscount and of Count, Armorer-Major of the Realm and Shipwright-Major of the Realm, and great-great-grandniece of the 1st Viscount of the Nogueiras.

Had two daughters with his wife Beatriz Batarda named Leonor Batarda Fernandes Sassetti Pais (b. January 2004) and Maria Batarda Fernandes Sassetti Pais (b. 2006).