Prior to relocating to 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 established himself within Brazil’s vibrant music scene through associations with Mariano Octet, Lennie Dale, Trio Novo, Joyce Moreno, Raul De Souza, Quarteto Novo, and Geraldo Vandre. One ensemble from this period proved especially pivotal in shaping 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. Its driving grooves, lyrical melodies, and precise execution quickly made the trio a staple attraction for devoted listeners at Sao Paulo’s Joao Sebastiao Bar. Across its existence the band issued five albums—three under its own name, one alongside Raul De Souza, and another with Lennie Dale. Eventually Cesar Camargo Mariano stepped away, seeking a settled family life free from the demands of constant travel. Airto and Humberto Clayber then linked up with Hermeto Pascoal, giving rise to the Sambrasa Trio.
