Trio Mocoto

Sambalanço (Samba rock) band Trio Mocotó was formed in São Paulo, Brazil in 1968. Founded by drummer / vocalist João Parahyba, guitarist / vocalist Luiz Carlos Fritz (Fritz Escovão), and percussionist / vocalist Nereu Gargalo, the three musicians met at the Jogral nightclub in São Paulo while they backed local and international performers who would perform at the club. Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Jorge Ben performed there regularly, and the three musicians eventually became Jorge’s backing band. Trio Mocotó performed on several of Jorge Ben’s albums including Fôrça Bruta (1970), Negro É Lindo (1971), and A Tábua de Esmeralda (1974). They also became recording artists in their own right with the albums Muita Zorra! Ou Sã Coisas Que Glorificam a Sensibilidade Atual (1971) and Trio Mocotó (1973). After the release of 1977’s Trio Mocotó (The Brazilian Sound), the disco movement had taken over the music scene and the band fell out of favor, eventually breaking up. They reunited in 2000 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their debut album and eventually recorded the album Samba Rock (2001). Founding member Luiz Carlos Fritz left the trio and was replaced by Skowa (real name: Marco Antônio Gonçalves dos Santos). This new line-up recorded the albums Beleza! Beleza!! Beleza!!! (2004), and Que Nega é Essa? (2009). Skowa died of cardiac arrest on June 13, 2024, at the age of 68.