14 Bis

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Also known as

Banda 14 Bis

Years Active

1979

Genres

rock, MPB, progressive rock, folk rock

Instruments

guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, drums messengers, vocals

Biography

Founded in late 1979 in Belo Horizonte, 14 Bis emerged as a prominent force in the Brazilian rock scene. The group was formed by brothers Cláudio and Flávio Venturini, alongside Sérgio Magrão, Vermelho, and Hely Rodrigues. Deeply connected to the Clube da Esquina movement, they were mentored by the legendary Milton Nascimento, who produced their self-titled debut album and helped them secure a major label contract. Their early work often featured collaborations with Minas Gerais icons like Lô Borges and Beto Guedes.

The band's sound is a sophisticated blend of progressive rock, folk, and MPB, influenced by international acts but firmly rooted in Brazilian lyricism and vocal harmonies. Over their decades-long career, they produced iconic hits such as 'Linda Juventude,' 'Planeta Sonho,' and 'Todo Azul do Mar.' Despite the departure of Flávio Venturini in the late 1980s to pursue a successful solo career, the core lineup has remained remarkably stable, contributing to their reputation as one of Brazil's most enduring and consistent musical institutions.

Throughout the years, 14 Bis has collaborated with numerous giants of Brazilian music, including Renato Russo, with whom they recorded the hit 'Mais uma Vez,' and the vocal group Boca Livre. Their legacy is celebrated through extensive tours and live recordings, such as the 'Encontro Marcado' project with Sá & Guarabyra. Their contribution to the cultural landscape of Minas Gerais is so significant that the band has been officially recognized as intangible heritage of their home city of Belo Horizonte.

Discography

• 14 Bis (1979)
• 14 Bis II (1980)
• Espelho das Águas (1981)
• Além Paraíso (1982)
• A Idade da Luz (1983)
• A Nave Vai (1985)
• Sete (1987)
• Ao Vivo (1988)
• Quatro por Quatro (1992)
• Siga O Sol (1996)
• Bis (1999)
• Boca Livre e 14 Bis – Ao Vivo (2000)
• Outros Planos (2004)
• Nova Bis (2005)
• 35 Anos (2014)
• O Encontro Marcado de Flávio Venturini Sá & Guarabyra 14 Bis (40 Anos) (2016)
• 14 Bis (Acústico) [Ao Vivo] (2020)