Biography
Bacamarte, the Brazilian ensemble fronted by guitarist Mario Neto, cultivated a devoted cult audience with its 1983 album Depois do Fim, which fused progressive rock with Brazilian folk elements. After issuing only that one record the group disbanded, yet renewed interest during the 1990s prompted a reunion that produced the 1999 follow-up Sete Cidades.
In 1974, fourteen-year-old Mario Neto assembled Bacamarte’s first lineup to perform his own material, a blend of classical music, rock, jazz, and Brazilian folk. He recruited keyboardist Sergio Villarim, and the pair adopted the name Bacamarte, the Brazilian term for a gun that cannot fire. Bassist Vinicius de Oliveira, drummer Nelson Paiva, and vocalist Hugo Lacerda completed the roster, which performed successfully at Brazilian high schools and universities. Neto soon dissolved this version, deeming the members too young and inexperienced.
By 1977 a reconstituted Bacamarte comprising Neto, keyboardist Jose Lourenco, bassist Delto Simas, drummer Marco Verissimo, multi-instrumentalist Marcus Moura on flute and accordion, and percussionist Mr. Paul began touring Brazil. Villarim rejoined in 1978, replacing Lourenco, and the band recorded a demo that Neto withheld until a climate less dominated by disco emerged. Brazilian DJ Amaury Santos broadcast the tape in 1982, generating sudden demand. The resulting debut LP, Depois do Fim, appeared in 1983 after bassist William Murray replaced the departed Simas and Mario Leme assumed the drum chair. Female guest vocalists appeared on half the tracks; the album sold roughly 10,000 copies in Brazil and achieved modest international recognition.
Family obligations ultimately blocked a planned European tour, and Bacamarte dissolved. Neto spent the next decade composing and teaching guitar until the 1995 CD reissue of Depois do Fim, which had acquired cult status, led the group to reform for live performances. In 1999 an album credited jointly to Bacamarte and Neto, titled Sete Cidades, was released.
In 1974, fourteen-year-old Mario Neto assembled Bacamarte’s first lineup to perform his own material, a blend of classical music, rock, jazz, and Brazilian folk. He recruited keyboardist Sergio Villarim, and the pair adopted the name Bacamarte, the Brazilian term for a gun that cannot fire. Bassist Vinicius de Oliveira, drummer Nelson Paiva, and vocalist Hugo Lacerda completed the roster, which performed successfully at Brazilian high schools and universities. Neto soon dissolved this version, deeming the members too young and inexperienced.
By 1977 a reconstituted Bacamarte comprising Neto, keyboardist Jose Lourenco, bassist Delto Simas, drummer Marco Verissimo, multi-instrumentalist Marcus Moura on flute and accordion, and percussionist Mr. Paul began touring Brazil. Villarim rejoined in 1978, replacing Lourenco, and the band recorded a demo that Neto withheld until a climate less dominated by disco emerged. Brazilian DJ Amaury Santos broadcast the tape in 1982, generating sudden demand. The resulting debut LP, Depois do Fim, appeared in 1983 after bassist William Murray replaced the departed Simas and Mario Leme assumed the drum chair. Female guest vocalists appeared on half the tracks; the album sold roughly 10,000 copies in Brazil and achieved modest international recognition.
Family obligations ultimately blocked a planned European tour, and Bacamarte dissolved. Neto spent the next decade composing and teaching guitar until the 1995 CD reissue of Depois do Fim, which had acquired cult status, led the group to reform for live performances. In 1999 an album credited jointly to Bacamarte and Neto, titled Sete Cidades, was released.
Albums
