Formiga

Origin

Nova Friburgo, RJ

Also known as

José Luís Pinto

Years active

1949

Genres

instrumental music, bossa nova, choro, samba

Instruments

trumpet, cornet

Biography

José Luís Pinto, known artistically as Formiga, was a notable Brazilian instrumentalist, trumpeter, and composer. Born in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, on October 4, 1929, Formiga began his musical journey at age 11 in 1940, under the tutelage of maestro Joaquim Antônio Naegale in his hometown.

His professional career took off in 1949, when he started playing trumpet in the orchestra "Napoleão Tavares e seus Soldados Musicais". That same year, he participated in his first recording, "Canção de amor", interpreted by Elizeth Cardoso. Throughout the 1950s, Formiga was a member of several renowned orchestras in Rio de Janeiro, such as those of the Farolito and Eldorado dancings, besides working with maestros like Dedé and Ari Barroso, with whom he toured countries such as Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, and Venezuela.

Formiga also dedicated himself to technical and theoretical improvement, taking advanced courses in Mexico and studying harmony in Brazil. His discography includes LPs like "Pistom em alta fidelidade" (1958), "Tudo é bossa" (1960), "Trompete espetacular" (1962), "Arminhos e melodias" (1963), and "Formiga in Love" (1964). His versatility led him to perform in record label orchestras, on television, and to accompany both national and international artists, consolidating himself as an important name in Brazilian instrumental music.