Chico Amaral

Origin

Belo Horizonte, MG

Years Active

1979

Genres

MPB, jazz, instrumental music, pop rock

Instruments

saxophone, piano, flute, guitar

Biography

Francisco Eduardo Fagundes Amaral, known artistically as Chico Amaral, was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, on May 8, 1957. He is a renowned Brazilian composer, lyricist, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, with a career spanning over four decades. His versatility has led him to work as a saxophonist, pianist, flutist, and guitarist, exploring various facets of music.

Chico Amaral began his musical journey in 1979, joining the choro ensemble Naquele Tempo, where he had the opportunity to perform alongside greats such as Altamiro Carrilho and Cartola. Later, he worked as the guitarist for the group Sagrado Coração da Terra, accompanying musician Marcus Viana. His work gained national prominence when he became the author of several hits by the Minas Gerais band Skank, such as "Garota Nacional", "Três Lados", and "Tão Seu", cementing his position as one of the most sought-after lyricists in the country.

In addition to his work with Skank, Chico Amaral is known for his partnerships with Milton Nascimento, Ed Motta, Lô Borges, Beto Guedes, Erasmo Carlos, among others. His contribution to instrumental music is also notable, featuring albums such as "Singular" and "Província", and his work as a saxophonist in his quartet. Chico Amaral has also ventured into writing, having been a columnist for newspapers such as Estado de Minas and Correio Brasiliense, demonstrating his artistic breadth.

Discography

• Singular (2007)
• Província (2012)
• Plural (2017)
• Canções Brasileiras (2024)
• A Noite É Boa