Zé Barbeiro

Origin

Maceió, AL

Also known as

José Augusto Roberto da Silva

Genres

choro, samba

Instruments

seven-string guitar

Biography

Born on February 4, 1952, in Maceió, Alagoas, José Augusto Roberto da Silva, widely known as Zé Barbeiro, is a prominent Brazilian composer and guitarist.

Barbeiro's musical journey began in his childhood when his family moved to Carapicuíba, São Paulo. It was there that he learned the barber trade from his father, a profession he pursued alongside his burgeoning musical career. Initially drawn to the electric guitar and influenced by the "Jovem Guarda" movement, he eventually transitioned to the seven-string guitar after meeting the renowned guitarist João Macacão. This pivotal shift led him into the vibrant world of samba and choro music.

Throughout the 1970s, Barbeiro immersed himself in the São Paulo choro scene, performing in legendary venues and accompanying esteemed artists such as Elizeth Cardoso, Ângela Maria, and Zeca Pagodinho. He is recognized as one of the most innovative composers of contemporary choro, celebrated for his unique approach to the seven-string guitar and his distinctive compositional style. His work has significantly influenced a new generation of choro musicians, including artists like Yamandú Costa and Danilo Brito, solidifying his place as a vital force in Brazilian instrumental music.