Zé Maria

Origin

Ubá, MG

Also known as

José Maria Camiloto Rocha, Zé Maria

Years Active

1966–2024

Genres

MPB, bossa nova, samba

Instruments

piano, keyboard, vocals

Biography

José Maria Camiloto Rocha, widely known as Zé Maria Rocha, is a Brazilian instrumentalist, pianist, singer, screenwriter, and musical director. Born in Ubá, Minas Gerais, on April 21, 1946, he began his musical journey at a very young age, starting piano lessons at four and violin at nine. By twelve, he was playing the sax-horn in a local band, and the following year, he took up the double bass. His early exposure to various instruments foreshadowed a versatile musical career.

In 1966, Zé Maria Rocha founded the influential Terra Trio, a vocal and instrumental group that included Fernando Costa on bass and Ricardo Costa on drums. The trio quickly became a significant force in the Brazilian music scene. From 1967 onwards, Terra Trio began accompanying renowned artists such as Maria Bethânia in shows and recordings. In 1969, they released their LP "Terra à vista," produced by Nara Leão and Sidney Miller. The trio remained active until 1980, reuniting in 1983 for a tour in Argentina with Maria Bethânia and recording the album "Ciclo" with her. They also performed in Italy with prominent artists like Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Dorival Caymmi, and Nana Caymmi in the show "Bahia de todos os sambas."

Throughout his career, Zé Maria Rocha has collaborated with a vast array of Brazilian music legends. His work includes shows and recordings with artists such as Nara Leão, Martinho da Vila, Clara Nunes, Chico Buarque, Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Dorival Caymmi, among many others. His extensive collaborations highlight his significant contribution to Brazilian popular music as a pianist and arranger.

Discography

• Pescador (2017)