Biography
Before settling in the United States in 1968, where he would later record alongside Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, and Wayne Shorter, percussionist Airto Moreira had already shared stages and studios in Brazil with Mariano Octet, Lennie Dale, Trio Novo, Joyce Moreno, Raul De Souza, Quarteto Novo, and Geraldo Vandre. One ensemble from this period stood apart for its lasting effect on subsequent Brazilian jazz groups: the Sambalanço Trio.
The group came together in 1964 with Airto handling traps, Cesar Camargo Mariano at the piano, and Humberto Clayber on bass. Their performances at Sao Paulo’s Joao Sebastiao Bar drew devoted crowds drawn to the combination of driving rhythms, lyrical lines, and precise ensemble work. Across its lifespan the trio issued five albums—three under its own name, one alongside Raul De Souza, and another with Lennie Dale. When Cesar Camargo Mariano stepped away to start a family and step off the road, Airto and Humberto Clayber recruited Hermeto Pascoal, forming the Sambrasa Trio.
The group came together in 1964 with Airto handling traps, Cesar Camargo Mariano at the piano, and Humberto Clayber on bass. Their performances at Sao Paulo’s Joao Sebastiao Bar drew devoted crowds drawn to the combination of driving rhythms, lyrical lines, and precise ensemble work. Across its lifespan the trio issued five albums—three under its own name, one alongside Raul De Souza, and another with Lennie Dale. When Cesar Camargo Mariano stepped away to start a family and step off the road, Airto and Humberto Clayber recruited Hermeto Pascoal, forming the Sambrasa Trio.
Albums
Singles
