The Jordans

Formed in 1956 during the era before Jovem Guarda emerged, the instrumental ensemble the Jordans came together alongside outfits such as the Golden Boys and Renato e Seus Blue Caps, acts that would achieve prominence only in the following decade. Comparable units including Jet Black's, Os Incríveis, the Fellows, and the Avalons shared the Jordans' admiration for the Shadows and the Ventures, yet the group stood apart through its grasp of English rock's innovative spirit. That perspective prompted them to incorporate the balalaika, mandolin, bandola, clavichord, vibraphone, and Portuguese guitar rather than relying on the electric bass and guitar then dominant in Brazil. Their initial television appearance occurred in 1958 on a TV Record program presented by Tony Campelo and Celly Campelo. The single Boudah arrived in 1961. Manito and Mingo, who would later establish the Clevers, first gained notice while performing with the Jordans. A 1964 recording of Victor Young's "Blue Star" became a hit, followed two years afterward by success with Maurice Jarre's "Lara's Theme." In 1965 the group traveled across Europe, appearing in France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Italy, Yugoslavia, and Sweden. Upon their return they received an invitation to join the landmark television program Jovem Guarda. After Aladdin left in 1968 the ensemble disbanded. Aladdin, Sinval, Tony, Foguinho, and Manito reassembled in 1995 to produce the album Bons Tempos and have continued to perform and record since that reunion.