Mestrinho

Origin

Itabaiana, SE

Also known as

Erivaldo Júnior Alves de Oliveira

Years Active

1994

Genres

forró, MPB, baião, xaxado, jazz

Instruments

accordion, voice

Biography

Mestrinho, born Erivaldo Júnior Alves de Oliveira, is a distinguished Brazilian accordionist, singer, composer, and arranger who has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary regional music. Born into a musical dynasty in Sergipe, he is the grandson of the eight-bass accordionist Manezinho do Carira and the son of the accordionist Erivaldo de Carira. He began his musical journey at the age of six, learning the classics of Luiz Gonzaga, and was performing professionally on tours by his early teens. In 2006, he moved to São Paulo with his sister Thaís Nogueira, where they founded the Trio Juriti, marking the beginning of a career that would soon catch the attention of the industry's legends.

Widely recognized as the protégé of the legendary Dominguinhos, Mestrinho spent several years touring as a core member of the master's band, inheriting a sophisticated phrasing that blends traditional forró with elements of jazz and MPB. His solo career officially launched in 2014 with the album "Opinião," followed by works that featured collaborations with icons such as Gilberto Gil, Elba Ramalho, and Hermeto Pascoal. He made history as the first accordionist to perform a solo set at Rock in Rio and has since received significant critical acclaim, including a Latin Grammy Award. His more recent projects include collaborative acoustic albums exploring the legacy of Dominguinhos alongside artists like Mariana Aydar, Jota.pê, and João Gomes.

Discography

• Sandro Haick e Mestrinho Duo (2013)
• Mestrinho & Nicolas Krassik (2016)
• Tocante (2016)
• É Tempo pra Viver (2017)
• Mestrinho no Estúdio Showlivre (Ao Vivo) (2018)
• Grito de Amor (2019)
• Canto da Praya - Hamilton de Holanda e Mestrinho (Ao Vivo) (2020)
• Solitude (2021)
• Mariana e Mestrinho (2024)
• João Bosco: "Corsário" and guests Jaques Morelenbaum, Mestrinho e Vanessa Moreno (Live at Rio Montreux Jazz Festival) (2025)
• Dominguinho (2025)
• Dominguinho Vol. 2 (Ao Vivo) (2026)
• Macaco Sessions: Mestrinho (Ao Vivo) (2026)
• Mariana & Mestrinho (Ao Vivo Te Vejo no Palco) (2026)
• Opinião