Milton Banana

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Antonio de Souza

Years Active

1950–1999

Genres

bossa nova, jazz, samba-jazz

Instruments

drums

Biography

Milton Banana, artistic name of Antonio de Souza, was born in Rio de Janeiro and became one of the most important drummers in the history of Brazilian music, standing out as one of the rhythmic pillars of bossa nova. Self-taught, he developed his technique playing in Rio's nightlife during the 1950s, which facilitated his association with the major names of the emerging movement.

Throughout his career, he accompanied fundamental icons such as João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Roberto Menescal, Carlos Lyra, and Baden Powell, participating in crucial recordings for the genre. Among his most striking works are his participation in the historic album Chega de Saudade, by João Gilberto, released in 1959, and in the acclaimed record Getz/Gilberto, in 1963, which projected bossa nova on an international level. He was also part of the delegation that performed at the famous Carnegie Hall concert in New York in 1962.

In addition to his work as a sideman, he led the innovative Milton Banana Trio, an original lineup for being led by a drummer, with which he recorded over twenty albums. His precise and rhythmic style consolidated his reputation in the Brazilian instrumental scene, leaving a lasting legacy that dialogues with the work of other great artists of the era, such as Sérgio Mendes and Elza Soares.

Discography

• Milton Banana com Conjunto Oscar Castro Neves – O Ritmo e o Som da Bossa Nova (1963)
• Milton Banana (1971)
• Milton Banana (1972)
• Milton Banana (1973)
• Milton Banana (1974)
• Milton Banana (1975)
• No Balanço (1983)
• Getz/Gilberto, Featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim (1997)