Sergio Barrozo

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1962

Genres

bossa nova, mpb, jazz

Instruments

bass guitar, electric bass

Biography

Sergio Barrozo, born in Rio de Janeiro on June 16, 1942, is a highly respected Brazilian bassist and instrumentalist. He began his professional career in 1962, joining Roberto Menescal's ensemble. His early work also included collaborations with Baden Powell and participation in the influential Bossa Nova scene, recording with Roberto Menescal and His Ensemble in 1963. Barrozo's career quickly gained momentum, leading him to perform and record with a vast array of Brazilian music's most prominent figures.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Barrozo was a sought-after session musician, contributing his basslines to seminal albums by artists such as Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Wilson Simonal. He was also a member of important groups like the Rio 65 Trio, alongside Dom Salvador and Edson Machado, and Trio 3D with Antonio Adolfo and Nelson Serra. His international performances include tours with Elizeth Cardoso to Japan and with Elza Soares to the United States and Mexico.

Barrozo's extensive discography and collaborations underscore his significant contribution to Brazilian music, particularly within the Bossa Nova and MPB movements. His ability to adapt to various musical contexts, from intimate bossa nova settings to more complex instrumental arrangements, has made him a constant presence in the Brazilian music landscape for decades. He is recognized for his discreet yet crucial role in shaping the sound of countless recordings.