
Biography
Born in Paulo Afonso, Brazil, Jonathan Raphael is an electric mandolinist, solo artist and music teacher. He has a degree in Music Education from Federal University of Ceará, in Fortaleza, Brazil. He performs concerts, clinics and teaches electric mandolin online lessons for students worldwide, both English and Portuguese speakers. He's sponsored by GNI Music, leading Brazilian company on strings and pedals manufacturing, where he helped to develop in collaboration their electric mandolin string sets.
Jonathan released its first digital single in 2012, called "Tributo à Guitarra Baiana" (Brazilian Electric Mandolin Tribute). The work includes his own interpretations of old classics of the Brazilian electric mandolin, featuring modern arrangements and sounding. It's available for free download at www.jonathanraphael.com/music.
In 2013 Jonathan Raphael performed at Expomusic in São Paulo, invited by GNI Music, for the national release of the electric mandolin strings. Since then, he belongs to GNI's endorsed artists roster.
In 2016 he joined as a special guest to the Trio de Guitarra Baiana group in their 5th edition, and performed alogside with Marcelo Novaes and the main host Julio Caldas at the Carnival of Salvador, one of the largest street festivals in the world. Also in 2016, he collaborated with American artist Jake Moore, forming an electric mandolin duo.
Currently, Jonathan Raphael is working on his next album, to be released soon.