Bando de Tangarás

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1929–1933

Genres

samba, popular music, choro

Instruments

guitar, pandeiro, vocals

Biography

Bando de Tangarás was a prominent Brazilian vocal and instrumental ensemble formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1929. The group originally grew out of an amateur student collective called Flor do Tempo, founded by students at the Batista College in Tijuca, before solidifying its legendary lineup with the addition of Almirante, Braguinha, Henrique Brito, Alvinho, and the iconic songwriter Noel Rosa. Their name was inspired by the tangará birds, known for their collective singing and dancing, mirroring the five members who performed together.

Throughout their active years, the ensemble played a vital role in the early development of Brazilian popular music, recording for labels such as Parlophon and participating in pioneering cultural projects. Notably, member Braguinha adopted the famous pseudonym João de Barro during this period, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian composition alongside contemporaries like Noel Rosa. The group famously appeared in the 1930 film Coisas Nossas, showcasing their vibrant musical style to a wider audience.

Although the original ensemble dissolved in 1933, its members went on to pursue immensely influential individual careers that shaped the golden age of Brazilian radio and songwriting. Their short time together helped lay the groundwork for modern samba and traditional regional music, influencing later generations of artists such as Carmen Miranda and Pixinguinha. The sudden passing of Henrique Brito in 1935 marked an early poignant chapter, but the collective impact of the Bando de Tangarás remains a cornerstone of Brazil's musical heritage.