Os Cariocas

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Genres

MPB, bossa nova, jazz, vocal group

Biography

Os Cariocas is one of the most traditional and enduring vocal and instrumental groups in Brazilian music, originally founded in 1942 by Ismael Neto in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. The ensemble first gained recognition by performing on radio programs such as Renato Murce's Papel Carbono and Um milhão de melodias, standing out for their sophisticated vocal polyphony and rhythmic precision influenced by jazz and swing. Their early lineup featured Ismael Neto, Severino Filho, Emanuel Furtado (Badeco), Waldir Viviani, and Jorge Quartarone (Quartera), establishing a unique vocal harmony style that set them apart from contemporaries like Bando da Lua.

Following the untimely death of founder Ismael Neto in 1956, the group continued to evolve under the leadership of Severino Filho, eventually cementing their place in the burgeoning bossa nova movement. In 1958, they recorded a seminal 78 rpm featuring Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes's "Chega de saudade," accompanied by João Gilberto on guitar. This pivotal moment launched Os Cariocas into international prominence, leading to extensive tours across the Americas, performances alongside artists like Astrud Gilberto and Paul Anka, and a famous appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.

Despite a lengthy hiatus caused by internal disagreements, the group triumphantly reunited in 1987 at the invitation of pianist Alberto Chineli. Throughout the subsequent decades, they received numerous accolades, including Sharp Awards, and collaborated with legendary figures such as Elis Regina, Milton Nascimento, Tim Maia, and Roberto Menescal. Even after the passing of Severino Filho in 2016, Os Cariocas remain etched in history as quintessential ambassadors of MPB and bossa nova harmony.

Discography

• Os Cariocas a Ismael Netto (1958)
• A Bossa dos Cariocas (1962)
• Mais Bossa com os Cariocas (1963)
• A Grande Bossa dos Cariocas (1964)
• Os Cariocas de Quatrocentas Bossas (1965)
• Passaporte (1966)
• Artes & Vozes (1966)
• Bossa Nova (1975)
• Vum-Vum e os Cariocas – Brasil (1977)
• Esto Si Es Bossanova (1988)
• Minha Namorada (1990)
• Reconquistar (1991)
• A Bossa Brasileira (1997)
• Tim Maia & os Cariocas – Amigo do Rei (1997)
• Zimbo Trio, Roberto Menescal, Wanda Sá, Leny Andrade, os Cariocas – 40 Anos de Bossa (1999)
• Rio de Janeiro, Gosto de Você (2001)
• Os Clássicos Cariocas (2002)
• Os Cariocas.Com.Bossa (2002)
• Bossa Carioca (2004)
• Leny Andrade, Marcos Valle, Miéle, os Cariocas, Roberto Menescal, Wanda Sá, Zimbo Trio – Bossa Nova, Ao Vivo (2005)
• Pure Bossa Nova (2005)
• Nossa Alma Canta (2010)
• Bossa Nova Classics (2011)
• Estamos Ai (2013)
• Tom Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, João Gilberto, os Cariocas – Um Encontro no Au Bon Gourmet (2015)
• Apito No Samba (2018)
• Radio Live in the 1940's (2020)
• Bossa Nova Legends (2021)
• João Gilberto With os Cariocas In Buenos Aires At Club 676 October 1962 (2022)
• Madrugada 3 e 5 (2023)
• Bossa Barista (2026)
• Ao Vivo