Grupo Gente do Morro

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1930

Genres

samba, choro

Instruments

flute, vocals, pandeiro, guitar

Biography

The Grupo Gente do Morro was a vocal and instrumental ensemble founded in 1930 by Benedito Lacerda. The group's name was given by the composer Sinhô. Despite its relatively short duration, the ensemble played a significant role in Brazilian popular music, featuring prominent musicians such as Henrique Brito, Benedito Lacerda, Bide, and Russo do Pandeiro. Their recordings in 1931 included sambas like "Preto dalma branca" and "Como acabou o meu amor," as well as accompanying Benedito Lacerda on other tracks. The group also collaborated with artists like Léo Vilar and Iolanda Osório, contributing to recordings of various samba and waltz pieces.

Throughout their active period, the Grupo Gente do Morro was instrumental in shaping the sound of early Brazilian samba. They recorded numerous phonograms, showcasing their versatile musicality. The Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira highlights their work, noting their participation in recordings that featured Benedito Lacerda as a vocalist and instrumentalist. The group's contributions extended to accompanying other artists, demonstrating their importance as session musicians and collaborators within the vibrant Rio de Janeiro music scene of the era.

The legacy of Grupo Gente do Morro is intertwined with the development of samba and choro in Brazil. Their recordings, though from a specific period, offer valuable insights into the musical practices and styles of the time. The ensemble's association with Benedito Lacerda, a key figure in Brazilian music, further solidifies their place in the country's musical history. Their work serves as a testament to the rich and diverse landscape of Brazilian popular music in the early 20th century.