by Alvaro Neder
Active since 1942 (having had 20 years of success at the prestigious Rádio Nacional) and singularized in comparison to other vocal groups of the time for the elaborated arrangements for four or five voices, the Os Cariocas became the most representative vocal group of bossa nova after their 1957 recording of Chega de Saudade (Tom Jobim/Vinícius de Moraes) with Joao Gilberto on guitar. One of the first recordings of this classic song, the immediate success in this new genre made them to embrace it and thus influenced most vocal groups that appeared afterwards. In 1962, Os Cariocas participated in the show O Encontro at the Au Bon Gourmet club with Tom Jobim, de Moraes, Joo Gilberto, and sidemen Milton Banana (drums) and Octávio Bailly (bass). Their repertory featured Corcovado (Quiet Nights), Garota de Ipanema (Girl From Ipanema), Samba do Avio (Plane Samba), Samba de Uma Nota Só (One Note Samba), Só Dano Samba, and other classics. Taking part in several important bossa nova events, the group often appeared in Elis Regina/Jair Rodrigues program O Fino da Bossa (TV Record, So Paulo). In the mid-60s, they performed at the U.S. in New York and Washington at the Carter Barron with Astrud Gilberto and Paul Anka. In New York, they participated in The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson at NBC. Their LP Introducing the Cariocas had its liner notes written by Quincy Jones, who drew attention to their unique blend of bossa nova rhythms and melodies with modern jazz harmonies.