Geraldo Azevedo

Geraldo Azevedo's blend of romantic lyricism and masterful guitar technique established him among Brazil's foremost pop artists. Songs including "Caravana," "Copacabana," "De Outra Maneira," and "Barcarola Do Sao Francisco" have secured lasting places in the Brazilian pop canon.

Born in Petrolina, a modest settlement beside the San Francisco River, Azevedo absorbed strong influence from João Gilberto, who resided across the water in Juazeiro. Teaching himself guitar, he attained full command of the instrument by age twelve. His 1963 relocation to Recife led to the formation of Grupo Construcao with vocalist Teca Calazans and percussionist Naná Vasconcelos.

Vocalist Eliana Pittman invited him to Rio de Janeiro in 1967. Azevedo quickly rose as one of the capital's leading musicians and a sought-after accompanist for its foremost singers. With Vasconcelos, Nelson Ângelo, and singer/songwriter Geraldo Vandré—his co-author on the popular "Cancao de Despedida" ("The Farewell Song")—he assembled Quarteto Livre. The December 1968 military government's closure of congress and imposition of censorship prompted the group's breakup.

Azevedo reached international audiences in 1991 by joining Alçeu Valença to write and perform "78 Rotaces" and "Planetario" at a Tupi TV festival in Sao Paulo. Casablanca then issued their self-titled duo album. In 1972 the pair appeared with folk singer Jackson Do Pandeiro at Rio's International Song Festival.

Separate acclaim followed as several of Azevedo's pieces featured on Globo TV soundtracks for Gabriela and Saramandaia. His 1973 debut solo album became a major success. In 1979 he recorded Bicho de 7 Cabcas with actress/singer Elba Ramalho. Azevedo documented a 1985 live performance in the Golden Room of the Casablanca in Rio.