Luiz Roberto Oliveira

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1959

Genres

bossa nova, mpb, jazz

Instruments

guitar, synthesizer, piano

Biography

Luiz Roberto Oliveira is a Brazilian musician, composer, arranger, instrumentalist, and producer, primarily focused on Brazilian popular music (MPB). Born in Rio de Janeiro on August 29, 1939, he showed an early interest in music and studied guitar with renowned artists such as Carlos Lyra, Roberto Menescal, and Maria Livia São Marcos. In 1959, he moved to São Paulo, where he earned a degree in engineering from Mackenzie University. However, his passion for music led him to pursue a career in the arts, leaving engineering behind.

Oliveira's career has been marked by significant collaborations with prominent Brazilian artists. He has written songs in partnership with Vinícius de Moraes, Geraldo Vandré, and Paulo Cesar Pinheiro. In 1970, he expanded his musical education by studying at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. This international experience likely influenced his innovative approach to music production and arrangement.

In 1979, Luiz Roberto Oliveira founded the studio Norte Magnético, which specialized in musical production for television and radio commercials. He also co-authored the book "Histórias de Canções: Tom Jobim," sharing personal anecdotes and insights from his encounters with the legendary composer Tom Jobim. His contributions to Brazilian music extend to his involvement with the instrumental quintet Mandala, where he played synthesizer and guitar, alongside other notable musicians like Nelson Ayres and Roberto Sion.