Trio Elétrico Armandinho, Dodô e Osmar

Origin

Salvador, BA

Also known as

Trio Elétrico Dodô e Osmar, Trio Elétrico de Armandinho, Dodô e Osmar, Armandinho, Dodô & Osmar, Trio Eletrico Armandinho Dodo Osmar

Years Active

1950–presente

Genres

frevo, axé, pagode baiano, samba, samba-reggae, frevo elétrico, rock

Instruments

electric guitar, pau elétrico, tenor guitar, percussion

Biography

The Trio Elétrico Armandinho, Dodô e Osmar is a milestone in the history of Brazilian music, especially regarding the Bahia Carnival. Its trajectory is intertwined with the very invention of the "trio elétrico" (electric float), which emerged in 1950 in Salvador, created by Dodô (Adolfo Nascimento) and Osmar Macedo. Initially, they adapted a 1929 Ford, nicknamed "Fobica," to play their electric instruments, such as the "pau elétrico" (electric stick), created by them. The idea was to take music to the streets, democratizing access to the festival, which was previously restricted to indoor venues. The name "trio elétrico" was solidified in 1951 with the addition of Temístocles Aragão to the group.

Starting in 1974, the group began performing under the name Trio Elétrico Armandinho, Dodô e Osmar, with the entry of Armandinho Macedo, Osmar's son and a renowned guitarist. This new phase brought rhythmic innovations, such as "frevoque" (frevo mixed with rock) and "frevoxé" (frevo mixed with afoxé), in addition to consolidating the trio as one of the main attractions of the Salvador Carnival. Armandinho also joined the band A Cor do Som, contributing to the fusion of genres like rock, jazz, and MPB with Bahian music. The lineup of the trio expanded to include other sons of Osmar, such as Aroldo, André, and Betinho, and partners like Ary Dias.

The legacy of Trio Elétrico Armandinho, Dodô e Osmar transcends music, representing a cultural symbol of Brazil. The invention of the trio elétrico revolutionized mass entertainment, influencing carnivals and parties throughout the country and even internationally. The band, which has also featured Moraes Moreira, remains active, keeping alive the tradition of electric frevo and the contagious energy that made the trio a legend. The group's work is a testament to the creativity and reinvention capacity of Brazilian popular music, with strong influence from artists like Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.

Discography

• Jubileu de Prata (1975)
• Pombo Correio (1977)
• Vassourinha Elétrica (1980)
• Trio Elétrico Dodô e Osmar (1980)
• Incendiou O Brasil (1981)
• Aí Eu Liguei o Radio! (1987)
• O Trio Espacial (1988)