Biography
The choro ensemble Nó em Pingo d'Água refreshed the genre’s traditional idiom by introducing unexpected timbres. Founded in 1978 by flutist and saxophonist Mário Seve together with percussionist Celsinho, the group initially worked within a conventional lineup that combined mandolin, seven- and six-string violões, cavaquinho, flute, saxophone, and percussion. Over successive years the musicians explored varied configurations, incorporating Camerata Carioca’s methods for crafting arrangements and for refining both dynamic control and the practice of rotating solos among instruments. After appearing alongside pianist Antônio Adolfo on a tribute recording devoted to João Pernambuco, they released the album Salvador, which earned the Sharp prize for Best Instrumental Group in 1988. Subsequent adjustments to personnel and equipment brought in electric bass while removing the seven-string violão and cavaquinho; steel-string acoustic guitar and electric guitar became regular features, and the percussion section grew denser, reflecting a clear pop-music orientation. This approach produced Receita de Samba, an iconoclastic reinterpretation of pieces by the classic composer Jacob do Bandolim that drew divided critical responses, with purists and experimentalists staking out opposing positions. By the late 1990s the ensemble’s core comprised the two founders plus Rodrigo Lessa on mandolin, violão, and electric guitar, Papito on bass and acoustic bass guitar, and Rogério Souza on violão. In addition to their own concerts, the musicians have backed Guinga, Ivan Lins, and Leila Pinheiro.
Albums
