Novelli

Origin

Recife, PE

Also known as

Djair de Barros e Silva

Years Active

1960

Genres

MPB, brazilian jazz, bossa nova, clube da esquina

Instruments

double bass, piano, vocals, acoustic guitar

Biography

Djair de Barros e Silva, artistically known as Novelli, is a virtuoso instrumentalist, composer, and singer born in Recife. His professional career began in the 1960s as a crooner for the Conjunto Nouvelle Vague in his hometown. The nickname he carries to this day is a direct reference to the French cinematic movement of the time, and he adopted the double bass as his main instrument upon establishing himself in the Rio de Janeiro music scene at the end of that decade.

His relevance in Brazilian music was consolidated through fundamental collaborations. He joined the group A Tribo alongside Nelson Angelo, Joyce Moreno, and Naná Vasconcelos, and participated in the iconic 1973 collective album with Beto Guedes, Danilo Caymmi, and Toninho Horta, becoming a central figure for the Clube da Esquina movement. Novelli was also one of the musicians present in the recording of Taiguara's censored and historic album 'Imyra, Tayra, Ipy'.

Over a career spanning more than forty years, Novelli served as a rhythmic and melodic pillar for the biggest names in MPB, including Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, and Gal Costa. As a composer, he stood out for his partnership with Chico Buarque on the song 'Linha de Montagem'. In the 1980s, he maintained his creative activity by participating in Turma do Funil and releasing highly acclaimed solo and collaborative albums.

Discography

• Beto Guedes, Danilo Caymmi, Novelli, Toninho Horta (1973)
• Nana, Nelson Angelo, Novelli (1975)
• Canções Brasileiras (1984)
• Nana, Nelson Angelo, Novelli (2016)