At age 7 Renato started playing piano inspired by pianist and arranger Cesar Camargo Mariano. At 15 Renato was further skilled by Walter "Eski" Roberto, playing night clubs in Sao Bernardo do Campo was where he started to put that work into action. When Renato was 17 his family relocated to Rio de Janeiro. Renato started working with artists like Biafra, Sandra de Sa, Amelinha, Roberto Carlos, Kid Abelha, Claudio Zoli, Barao Vermelho, Tim Maia, Margareth Menezes, Marina Lima, Renato E Seus Blue Caps, Prentice Gilson, Carmen Silva, Gil Gilberto, Artur Maia, Leo Gandelman, Victor Biglione, Raul Mascarenhas, Nico Assuncao, Marcio Montarroyos, Ricardo Silveira and others.

In 1991 Renato relocated to California, USA. In 1992 he met musicians Marco Mendoza (bass) and Joey Heridia (drums) and formed a trio called Straight Jacket with which they toured through Europe and South America. They also recorded a live CD at the La Ve Lee jazz club in Studio City, California.

Renato has played and recorded with Dianne Reeves, Michael Ruff, Ronnie Foster, Marilyn Scott, Frank Gambale, Scott Henderson, Sandro Albert. In 2000 Renato and his friend, drummer Tal Bergman put together a recording studio. Where they produced Rod Stewart, Marilyn Scott and Flavio Bala amongst others. He also scored some films including; Dancing At The Blue Iguana and Kill Me Later.

In 2000 he joined Sheila E.'s E-Train band and recorded and toured with her. In the Fall of 2001 onwards Renato joned The NPG, brought to the attention of Prince by Sheila E., like most of Prince's band members since the late 90's.