Bossa Três
- Origin
- Rio de Janeiro, RJ
- Years active
- 1960s
- Genres
- bossa nova, jazz instrumental, samba-jazz
- Instruments
- piano, double bass, drums
Biography
Formed in the early 1960s, Bossa Três is widely regarded as the first instrumental group of the Bossa Nova movement. The original lineup featured the formidable talents of Luís Carlos Vinhas on piano, Tião Neto on double bass, and Edison Machado on drums. The trio began their career in the nightlife of Rio de Janeiro, specifically at the legendary Beco das Garrafas nightclubs in Copacabana, where they provided musical accompaniment for renowned dancers such as Lennie Dale. Their international breakthrough occurred when they traveled to the United States to perform on the prestigious Ed Sullivan Show, marking a significant moment for Brazilian music abroad.\n\nDuring their stay in New York, the group recorded three albums and performed extensively in local jazz clubs. History took a turn when Vinhas decided to return to Brazil alone, leading to a second iteration of the group featuring Octávio Bailly Júnior and Ronie Mesquita. This lineup was highly productive, recording five more albums and collaborating extensively with vocalists like Leny Andrade and Pery Ribeiro. These collaborations eventually evolved into the acclaimed Gemini V project, which toured internationally and recorded live material in Mexico.\n\nAfter a long hiatus following their separation in the late 1960s, Bossa Três reunited in 2000. This modern lineup, consisting of Vinhas, Neto, and drummer João Cortez, collaborated with the iconic singer Wanda Sá. Throughout their history, the group remained a cornerstone of instrumental Bossa Nova, blending sophisticated jazz structures with Brazilian rhythms.