Banda do Casaco
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Portugal |
| Products | Progressive folk music albums |
Banda do Casaco was a progressive folk ensemble from Portugal active between 1974 and 1984, often recognized as one of the foremost progressive rock groups in the country. Their landmark record, Hoje há Conquilhas, Amanhã não Sabemos, came out in 1976.
Origins
After the unsuccessful venture with Filarmónica Fraude, António Pinho (vocals) and Luís Linhares (keyboards) teamed up with ex-Plexus members Nuno Rodrigues (vocals, guitar) and Celso de Carvalho (cello, double bass) to establish Banda do Casaco. The group frequently collaborated with various guest artists, many of whom launched their careers through these partnerships.
Professional Journey
Their first album, Dos Benefícios dum Vendido no Reino dos Bonifácios, debuted in 1975, followed by the 1976 release Coisas do Arco da Velha, which earned the title of Portugal's "Album of the Year." This album featured vocalist Cândida Branca Flor, who later achieved solo success. The band’s most innovative and critically praised work, Hoje há Conquilhas, Amanhã não Sabemos (1977), included contributions from guitarist António Pinheiro da Silva, saxophonist Rão Kyao, and singer Gabriela Schaaf. Later albums included Contos da Barbearia (1978) and No Jardim da Celeste (1981), which marked the arrival of vocalist Né Ladeiras and drummer Jerry Marotta, formerly associated with Peter Gabriel. Live performances were rare, with only three known concerts at Aula Magna, the Festa de S. Mateus in Viseu, and Casa do Povo in Cacia.
In 1982, Pinho departed to compose for the girl group Doce, yet Banda do Casaco persisted by releasing Também Eu. Their last studio album, Com Ti Chitas (1984), showcased Ti Chitas (Catarina Sergentina) before the band dissolved shortly thereafter.
Musical Style
The ensemble fused elements of traditional Portuguese folk music with progressive rock influences, delivering satirical lyrics that offered social critique by intertwining themes of contemporary urbanization with Portugal’s rural heritage. The octet incorporated brass instruments, keyboards, strings such as violin, cello, and double bass, alongside vocals that prominently featured two female singers: Judi Brennan and Helena Afonso.
Legacy
In 1993, Universal Music reissued their initial two albums on CD format. Later, in November 2006, their third album, Hoje Há Conquilhas, Amanhã Não Sabemos, was re-released by the Companhia Nacional de Música.
Discography
| Year | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Dos Benefícios dum Vendido no Reino dos Bonifácios | vinyl |
| 1976 | Coisas do Arco da Velha | vinyl |
| 1977 | Hoje Há Conquilhas, Amanhã Não Sabemos | vinyl |
| 1978 | Contos da Barbearia | vinyl |
| 1980 | No Jardim da Celeste | vinyl |
| 1982 | Também Eu | vinyl / CD |
| 1984 | Com Ti Chitas | CD |
Compilations
| Year | Title | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Natação Obrigatória | CD |