Tamba Trio

Formed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1962, the Tamba Trio was one of the most important and influential groups to emerge during the bossa nova movement in the early 1960s. Originally composed of Luiz Eça (piano/vocals), Bebeto Castiho (double bass/flute/sax/vocals), and Hélcio Milito (drums/vocals), the group was known for their tight musicianship and harmony vocals. They released their self-titled debut album in 1962, which featured the hit single “Oo Barquinho”. That album was quickly followed by Avanço (1963) – which featured “Mas Que Nada”, their most well-known song - and Tempo (1964). Drummer Helcio Milito left the trio in 1964 and was replaced by Rubens Ohana. They continued to release albums and provide backing for other artists including Edu Lobo. In 1967, the group changed their name to Tamba 4 when they brought in new bassist Dório Ferreira and original bassist Bebeto Castiho moved to flute. Luiz Eça left in 1969 and was replaced by Laércio de Freitas but the band split up before the end of the year. The original trio reunited from 1971 to 1975 and then again between 1982 and 1984. The second line-up of Tamba Trio – Luiz Eça, Bebeto Castiho, and Rubens Ohana – reunited and carried on the band name until the early 1990s. The group leaves behind a wealth of recorded material and a musical landscape forever changed by their influence.