Muri Costa

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1974

Genres

mpb

Instruments

guitar, piano, vocals

Biography

Muri Costa, artistic name of Maurício Castro da Costa, was born in Rio de Janeiro on January 14, 1955. He is a Brazilian composer, instrumentalist, and singer with a well-established career in Brazilian popular music (MPB). His musical journey began with the formation of the group A Barca do Sol, with which he recorded the self-titled LP in 1974. The group, which featured names like Nando Carneiro and Jaques Morelenbaum, worked with Egberto Gismonti early in its career.

Throughout his career, Muri Costa stood out as a guitarist, having accompanied the iconic Dorival Caymmi in over 100 performances throughout Brazil and abroad. For 15 years, he served as the musical director and guitarist for Danilo Caymmi, in addition to recording two albums with the artist. His versatility and talent led him to collaborate with a wide range of renowned MPB artists, including Gal Costa, Daniela Mercury, Miúcha, Tom Jobim, Dori Caymmi, Elba Ramalho, Paulinho da Viola, Leny Andrade, Nelson Sargento, Milton Nascimento, Marlui Miranda, Sá & Guarabyra, Beth Carvalho, Wagner Tiso, and Gilberto Gil.

Muri Costa also explored his songwriting side, releasing albums such as "Samba de Cartola" (1998), "Quem é de Sambar" (1997), "Muri Costa" (1992), "Barato Total" (1982), "Céu da Boca" (1981), "Verão" (1979), "Corra o Risco" (1978), "Durante o Verão" (1976), and "A Barca do Sol" (1974). His work is marked by harmonic and melodic richness, reflecting his solid musical training in theory, harmony, counterpoint, and piano, as well as his studies in guitar.