Milton Banana Trio

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years Active

1960s

Genres

bossa nova, jazz

Instruments

drums, percussion

Biography

The Milton Banana Trio was a Brazilian jazz musical group formed in the 1960s, led by the renowned drummer Milton Banana. Their lineup was unusual for the time because it was commanded by a drummer, something that stood out in the musical scene. The trio had several lineups throughout their career and left a legacy of nine albums recorded by Odeon and others by RCA, consolidating themselves as an important name in jazz and bossa nova in Brazil.

Milton Banana, whose real name was Antônio de Souza, was born in Rio de Janeiro on April 23, 1935, and passed away on May 22, 1999. He is considered the creator of the characteristic bossa nova beat on the drums, revolutionizing the way the instrument was played in the genre. His skill and innovation led him to accompany great names in Brazilian music, such as João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, João Donato, and to participate in historic recordings like "Chega de Saudade" and "Getz/Gilberto", which were fundamental for the internationalization of bossa nova.

Upon returning to Brazil after performances in the United States and Europe, Milton Banana formed the trio that bears his name. The group stood out for its instrumental quality and the execution of jazz and bossa nova standards, as well as original compositions. The Milton Banana Trio contributed significantly to the dissemination of Brazilian instrumental music, influencing generations of musicians and leaving a valuable repertoire for the history of the country's music.

Discography

• Vê (1965)
• Milton Banana Trio (1965)
• Balançando com Milton Banana Trio (1966)
• O Som Do Milton Banana Trio (1967)
• Todo Dia É Dia (1968)
• O Trio (1968)
• Milton Banana Trio (1969)
• Milton Banana Trio (1970)
• Amigo É Prá Essas Coisas (1971)
• Samba É Isso (1977)
• Tipo Exportação (1978)
• Ao Meu Amigo Chico (1979)
• Ao Meu Amigo Tom (1980)
• Ao Meu Amigo Vinicius (Samba É Isso Vol. 5) (1981)
• Linha de Passe (1984)
• Aos Amigos Tom Chico e Vinicius (1989)