Formula 7

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1965–1968

Genres

jazz, soul music, instrumental music

Instruments

trumpet, guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards

Biography

Fórmula 7 was a prominent Brazilian musical group originating from Rio de Janeiro, active during the second half of the 1960s, more precisely between 1965 and 1968. The band brought together talented jazz-related instrumentalists, initially standing out for performing a repertoire inspired by the instrumental style of Tijuana Brass, which was enjoying great international success at that time.

Throughout its trajectory, the group underwent changes in its lineup and sound, incorporating prominent elements of soul music and making room for vocalists such as Gerson King Combo and Betinho. With stints by renowned musicians like Márcio Montarroyos, Helio Delmiro, Luizão Maia, and Hugo Bellard, the ensemble performed for young audiences in the South and North zones of Rio, reinterpreting hits from the North American charts with their own arrangements.

Fórmula 7's prestige in the Brazilian instrumental scene of the era was consolidated by the recording of three albums released by the EMI-Odeon label. The high technical level of its members frequently attracted musicians from other bands to watch their performances at the end of their own engagements in Rio's nightlife.