Trio Mocotó

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1968

Genres

samba-rock, samba, MPB, latin soul, funk

Instruments

pandeiro, cuíca, drums, timba, guitar, percussion, vocals

Biography

Formed in 1968 at the Jogral nightclub in São Paulo, Trio Mocotó is the fundamental group behind the creation and popularization of the samba-rock genre. Originally composed of Fritz Escovão, João Parahyba, and Nereu Gargalo, the trio began as the house band for a venue that served as a meeting point for the elite of Brazilian music. During this period, they provided instrumental support for icons such as Clementina de Jesus, Nelson Cavaquinho, and Cartola, while also engaging in informal jam sessions with visiting international jazz legends.

The group's most enduring legacy is their collaboration with Jorge Ben. While Ben was living in São Paulo, he and the trio developed a unique rhythmic "groove" that merged the swing of samba with the energy of rock and soul. This sound debuted on Ben's self-titled 1969 album, featuring hits like "País Tropical" and "Que Pena." Trio Mocotó's innovative use of instruments—particularly the combination of the cuíca, pandeiro, and João Parahyba’s modified drum kit (the "timba")—became the blueprint for the samba-rock movement.

Beyond their work with Jorge Ben, the trio was highly sought after for studio sessions, contributing to landmark recordings like Chico Buarque's "Samba de Orly" and Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho's "A Tonga da Mironga do Kabuletê." After a period of inactivity during the disco era, the band returned in the 21st century, continuing to influence new generations of musicians. Despite the passing of key members like Skowa and Fritz Escovão, the group remains active with Melvin Santhana joining founding members Parahyba and Gargalo.