Alex Reis, Brazilian drummer, educator, and recording artist, was born in 1972 in Santo André (São Paulo, Brazil) and began studying music at age six. He trained formally at a conservatory and with private tutors, and began working professionally at age 11, launching a career that has taken him through extensive touring and international performance work.
Over decades as a working drummer, Reis has performed as a sideman and session musician across many styles including Brazilian Popular Music (MPB), instrumental jazz, blues, and rock. His career has included wide international travel and professional appearances across South America, Central America, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reaching audiences in large-scale performance environments.
Recent activity includes his continuing work with Cirque du Soleil. After performing in the production Dralion, he returned to Cirque du Soleil and remains involved with touring performances connected to Corteo, maintaining an active schedule in large professional touring productions. Alongside touring, he continues studio recording and remains active in education through teaching drums and percussion, work he has sustained since 1989.
Reis has released multiple recordings as a leader, including the solo albums Aroeira (2000), White Fly (2012), and Way of Brazilian Jazz (2013). He also released his drum method book Bateria Essencial in 2015, reflecting his long-term commitment to drum education and student development.
Gear:
DW Drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, and Remo drumheads.
Sources: DrummerPhotographer.com artist profile, official recording credits and release information, Cirque du Soleil performance documentation, and published method book information.
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Update 1/20/26