Bocato

Origin

São Bernardo do Campo, SP

Also known as

Itacyr Bocato Júnior

Years active

1980

Genres

instrumental music, samba, acid jazz, mpb

Instruments

trombone

Biography

Itacyr Bocato Júnior, known professionally as Bocato, is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most expressive and versatile trombonists. Born in São Bernardo do Campo, he began his musical journey playing in school bands before pursuing formal studies in composition and conducting at the Universidade Estadual de São Paulo. Throughout his illustrious career, he has established himself as a prominent force in instrumental music, collaborating with legendary Brazilian artists such as Elis Regina, Rita Lee, Roberto Carlos, and Ney Matogrosso.

As his reputation grew on the international stage, Bocato took his unique sound to Europe, where he performed his acclaimed album "Samba de Zamba" at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in 1999. The following year, he showcased his "Acid Samba" project in Switzerland, further cementing his reputation as an innovative brass player who bridges traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary styles. In 2003, he brought his music to the Moscow Festival, performing with his own band alongside esteemed icons Leny Andrade and João Donato.

Upon returning to Brazil, Bocato continued to enrich the national music scene, notably performing as part of the house band for Faustão's popular television program on Rede Globo. He has also dedicated much of his later career to touring and recording projects, including his well-received releases "Antologia da Canção Brasileira - vol. 1" and "Antologia da Canção Brasileira - vol. 2". His enduring contribution to the trombone in Brazilian popular music places him among the great masters of the genre, working alongside creative contemporaries like Itamar Assumpção and Carlinhos Brown.