Orquestra Colbaz

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1930

Genres

choro, samba, valsas

Instruments

piano, clarinet, violin, guitar, accordion, flute, sax alto, bandolim, cavaquinho, banjo

Biography

The Orquestra Colbaz was a prominent Brazilian orchestra formed in São Paulo in the early 1930s. The ensemble's name was derived from the telegraphic address of the Columbia record label in Brazil, which housed its studios in São Paulo. The orchestra was led by the talented maestro Odmar Amaral Gurgel, also known as Maestro Gaó, who was also a pianist.

The ensemble featured a notable lineup of musicians, including Jonas Aragão on clarinet, Zé Carioca on violin, Hudson Gaya (Petit) on guitar, José Rielli on accordion, and Atílio Grany on flute. This group of musicians contributed to the rich sound and diverse repertoire of the Orquestra Colbaz during its active years.

The Orquestra Colbaz is historically significant for recording the first rendition of Zequinha de Abreu's iconic choro, "Tico-Tico no Fubá," in 1931. This recording, released by Columbia, cemented the orchestra's place in Brazilian music history. Their discography also includes other notable works such as the waltz "Branca," also by Zequinha de Abreu, further showcasing their contribution to the popular music scene of the era.

Discography

• Tico-Tico no Fubá / Branca
• Zezé Lara / Orquestra Colbaz – Nossa Padroeira / Noites de Alegria