HII TRIO
The HII Trio is a Brazilian jazz group that transcends musical boundaries, blending contemporary jazz with the richness of Brazilian music, elements of classical music, and global rhythms. Formed by Henrique Mota (piano), Iury Batista (acoustic and electric bass), and Igor Willcox (drums), the trio presents a vibrant and creative repertoire of original compositions, where improvisation, interaction, and expressiveness form the core of their musical identity.
The trio has recently released its debut album, Connections, a work that celebrates artistic exchange and cultural connection. The album features original compositions and includes special guest appearances by renowned international jazz artists such as saxophonists Tony Lakatos (Hungary), Seamus Blake (Canada), Bob Mintzer (USA), David Binney (USA), and Bob Franceschini (USA), as well as Canadian trumpeter Rachel Therrien.
The HII Trio was one of the winning groups of the Prêmio da Música Instrumental 2025 (Instrumental Music Prize), organized by Tokio Marine Hall, a recognition that highlights the artistic relevance of the project within the contemporary instrumental music scene. The album Connections (2025) was also selected as one of the best albums of the year by the French jazz website Couleurs Jazz, further reinforcing the group’s growing international recognition.
“HII Trio delivers an impressive debut, introducing a fresh and confident voice in contemporary Brazilian jazz. Pianist Henrique Mota, bassist Iury Batista, and drummer Igor Willcox build a music rooted in interaction, balance, and collective expression.” (Couleurs Jazz - France).
“Connections is a smart titled jazz album — a seamless blend of creativity, melody and rhythm connected to the creative and adventurous spirit these three outstanding musicians bring to their art.” (Jazz World Quest - Canada).
Foto : Ze Cintra
Band Members
Henrique Mota graduated in Classical Piano from Fundação das Artes de São Caetano do Sul and has been standing out in the instrumental scene, especially in jazz and fusion. He has shared the stage with artists such as Toninho Horta, Filó Machado, Celso Pixinga, Thiago Espírito Santo, Cuca Teixeira, Edu Ribeiro, Nuno Mindelis, Bocato, Michael Pipoquinha, and many others. He has performed at the main jazz and blues festivals in Brazil and participated in the 1st edition of the São Paulo Jazz Weekend, alongside names like Dianne Reeves, Shai Maestro, and Scott Kinsey. His album “É pra Jazz” received excellent critical acclaim in important Jazz websites such as All About Jazz and reinforced his name in contemporary instrumental music.
Iury Batista, born in Fortaleza-CE, is considered one of the great Brazilian bass players of the new generation. He began his musical journey at the age of 15, when he had his first contact with the double bass replacing a musician in a performance — an experience that sealed his connection with the instrument. He has performed and recorded with names such as Amaro Freitas, Criolo, Jorge Helder, Dino D’Santiago, Arismar do Espírito Santo, Leo Gandelman, David KikoskiSeamus Blake, Flávio Venturini, Paulinho Moska, Chico César, Seu Jorge, Arnaldo Antunes, Mestrinho, Cuca Teixeira, Henrique Mota, Cainã Cavalcante, Edu Ribeiro, Ohad Talmor, Otto, Xênia França, among others. He is a member of projects such as Por Um Trio, Expresso 5, Groove Reunion, Henrique Mota Trio, in addition to being part of the group of the acclaimed accordionist Mestrinho.
Igor Willcox is a drummer, composer, and producer, recognized internationally for his work leading the Igor Willcox Quartet, with which he has released five authorial albums and the iconic album New Samba Jazz from 2006, an album that was the best-seller of the Swiss label Altrisuoni for 3 years. These works have been highlighted in vehicles such as All About Jazz, World Music Report, and Jazz World Quest, among the main jazz websites in the world. The Igor Willcox Quartet has performed at prestigious jazz clubs worldwide, including Blue Note, Yardbird Suite (Canada), The Rex (Canada), and Bourbon Street (Brazil). They have also been invited to perform at renowned jazz festivals such as Nisville Jazz Festival (Serbia), Bansko Jazz Festival (Bulgaria), Summer Jazz Festival (Slovenia), North City Jazz Festival (Serbia), Panama Jazz Festival (Panama), and Santos Jazz Festival (Brazil). Igor has also recorded and played with important artists of the instrumental scene such as Bocato, Tony Lakatos, Rufus Reid, Bobby Militelo, Airto Moreira, Kwak Yoonchan, Frank Colón (Weather Report), Celso Pixinga, Nelson Faria, Decebal Badila, Rubem Farias, Daniel Santiago, among others. His expressive language and modern approach have consolidated
Listen to the album on your favorite streaming service:
