Biography
During bossa nova’s formative phase, Ed Lincoln established himself as an elite jazz bassist. As a solo performer he channeled his recordings and ensemble shows toward dance-oriented material across assorted idioms, while also backing such notables as Baden Powell, Claudette Soares, and Ed Motta. English DJs later unearthed his catalog, sparking a wave of popularity in the United Kingdom throughout the 1990s. Among his most recognized compositions and interpretations were “Quero Amar” (with Durval Ferreira), “O Ganso” (with D’Orlann), “O Bêbado” (Durval Ferreira/Orlandivo), “Confissão” (Luís Bandeira), “É O Cid” (with Sílvio Cesar), “Palladium” (with Orlandivo), “Na Onda Do Berimbau” (Oswaldo Nunes), and “Ai Que Saudade Dessa Nega.” His reading of “Jogaram o Caxangá” appeared on the 2001 compilation Samba Soul 70! – Rare Groove Party (Ziriguiboom/Crammed), and his arrangement of Clifford Brown’s “The Blueswalk” became a Carnival favorite.
Already proficient on piano as a youngster, Lincoln took his first job at the Jornal do Povo in his hometown, covering Carnival and sports. After relocating to Rio in 1951 he held a clerical post until encounters with Johnny Alf, Luís Eça, and Sérgio Ricardo at Rádio Roquette Pinto redirected his path. By 1953 he had become a sought-after jazz bassist, joining Dick Farney’s ensemble and simultaneously appearing as a conductor in several films. Alongside pianist Luís Eça and acoustic guitarist Paulo Ney he performed at the Hotel Plaza, the pivotal venue where bossa nova emerged and jazz players convened; the trio documented their work on the LP Trio Plaza. Throughout the 1950s he also supported Claudette Soares, Baden Powell, and Dolores Durán. In 1958 he joined Djalma Ferreira’s group at the Djalma’s Drink nightclub as pianist; when Ferreira was shot, Lincoln assumed the organ, an instrument he subsequently featured on numerous solo releases.
Following a 1963 automobile accident that sidelined him for seven months, the youthful Eumir Deodato stepped in to lead his band. Trumpeter Cláudio Roditi became a member in 1968. That same era saw Lincoln launch the independent Savoya Discos imprint, where he produced acts such as Os Lobos, the group that introduced Dalto. After several months in the United States in 1970 he returned to Brazil and constructed his own studio, which he continues to operate, issuing easy-listening albums he alone produces on computer under pseudonyms including Orquestra Romance Tropical, Gloria Benson, and Orquestra Los Angeles. During the 1990s English DJs circulated pirated copies of his long-unavailable vinyl tracks such as “Cochise” and “Se Você Quiser,” igniting renewed interest on British dance floors. Lincoln also contributed to “Conversa Mole,” featured on Ed Motta’s album As Segundas Intenções.
Already proficient on piano as a youngster, Lincoln took his first job at the Jornal do Povo in his hometown, covering Carnival and sports. After relocating to Rio in 1951 he held a clerical post until encounters with Johnny Alf, Luís Eça, and Sérgio Ricardo at Rádio Roquette Pinto redirected his path. By 1953 he had become a sought-after jazz bassist, joining Dick Farney’s ensemble and simultaneously appearing as a conductor in several films. Alongside pianist Luís Eça and acoustic guitarist Paulo Ney he performed at the Hotel Plaza, the pivotal venue where bossa nova emerged and jazz players convened; the trio documented their work on the LP Trio Plaza. Throughout the 1950s he also supported Claudette Soares, Baden Powell, and Dolores Durán. In 1958 he joined Djalma Ferreira’s group at the Djalma’s Drink nightclub as pianist; when Ferreira was shot, Lincoln assumed the organ, an instrument he subsequently featured on numerous solo releases.
Following a 1963 automobile accident that sidelined him for seven months, the youthful Eumir Deodato stepped in to lead his band. Trumpeter Cláudio Roditi became a member in 1968. That same era saw Lincoln launch the independent Savoya Discos imprint, where he produced acts such as Os Lobos, the group that introduced Dalto. After several months in the United States in 1970 he returned to Brazil and constructed his own studio, which he continues to operate, issuing easy-listening albums he alone produces on computer under pseudonyms including Orquestra Romance Tropical, Gloria Benson, and Orquestra Los Angeles. During the 1990s English DJs circulated pirated copies of his long-unavailable vinyl tracks such as “Cochise” and “Se Você Quiser,” igniting renewed interest on British dance floors. Lincoln also contributed to “Conversa Mole,” featured on Ed Motta’s album As Segundas Intenções.
Albums
