Mário Castro Neves

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1950s–2014

Genres

bossa nova, samba, MPB, brazilian jazz, latin jazz

Instruments

piano

Biography

Mário Castro Neves was a Brazilian pianist, arranger, composer, and conductor, born on November 12, 1935, in Rio de Janeiro. He was a member of one of Brazil's most musical families, being the brother of Oscar, Iko, Leo, and Zeca Castro Neves, all talented musicians. His home in Laranjeiras was a meeting point for artists linked to bossa nova.

In the 1950s, Mário formed the quartet American Jazz Combo with his brothers Leo, Iko, and Oscar, performing on Rádio Difusora de Petrópolis. Later, the group expanded into a quintet with the addition of vocalist Manuel Gusmão. The repertoire included both songs by Mário and American standards. In 1957, the quintet performed on TV Rio. Mário Castro Neves also became a friend and partner of Ronaldo Bôscoli, with whom he composed the song "A Menina e a Rosa".

Throughout his career, Mário Castro Neves released albums such as "Mário Castro Neves & Samba S.A." (1967), considered a classic for its fusion of jazz, samba, and bossa nova. He also worked as an arranger for other artists, such as Elza Soares and Tito Madi, and participated in recordings with Ithamara Koorax. His 1970s albums include "Brazilian Mood" (1973) and "The Latin Band of Mário Castro Neves" (1975). Mário Castro Neves passed away on May 4, 2020, leaving an important legacy in Brazilian music.

Discography

• Stop, Look & Listen (1977)