Novos Baianos
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil |
| Founder | Moraes Moreira, Paulinho Boca de Cantor, Pepeu Gomes, Baby Consuelo, Luiz Galvão |
| Defunct | 1979 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1979; reunited multiple times (1997, 2015, 2020) |
| Headquarters | Salvador , Brazil |
Area served | Brazil |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums |
Novos Baianos (; translated as 'New Bahians' in English) is a Brazilian ensemble specializing in rock and MPB, established in 1969 in Salvador, Bahia. Their primary period of activity spanned from 1969 to 1979, during which they garnered considerable acclaim throughout the 1970s. The band reunited on multiple occasions—in 1997, 2015, and 2020—and produced eight studio albums alongside two live recordings.
Throughout the 1970s, Novos Baianos played a pivotal role in shaping Brazilian popular music and rock by merging diverse styles such as samba, bossa nova, frevo, baião, choro, and rock. Their musical identity was deeply influenced by the countercultural movements of the 1970s and the Tropicália artistic wave.
The founding members included Moraes Moreira (vocals, acoustic guitar), Paulinho Boca de Cantor (vocals), Pepeu Gomes (electric guitar), Baby Consuelo (vocals, percussion), and Luiz Galvão (lyricist).
Novos Baianos often collaborated with the group A Cor do Som, which featured Dadi Carvalho on bass, Jorginho Gomes handling the cavaquinho, drums, and percussion, and José "Baixinho" Roberto on drums and percussion. Early contributions to percussion were also made by Luís Bolacha.
Recognized as one of the most groundbreaking and influential bands in Brazilian music history, their critical acclaim and commercial success were largely propelled by their second studio album, Acabou Chorare.
History
Formed in 1969, Novos Baianos debuted publicly in Salvador with members Moreira, Boca de Cantor, Consuelo, and Galvão. That same year, they took part in the V Festival de Música Popular Brasileira presenting the song 'De Vera'. The name "Novos Baianos" was coined during this festival when producer Marcos Antônio Riso referred to them as "new Bahians." This track was later featured on their first album, É Ferro na Boneca (1970), which combined psychedelic rock elements with traditional Brazilian folk music.
Initially performing live alongside Pepeu Gomes and Jorginho Gomes, Pepeu's involvement expanded significantly after his marriage to Consuelo; he became a full-fledged member and co-arranger with Moreira. By the early 1970s, inspired by João Gilberto's influence, their sound evolved toward MPB. In 1972, they moved to Cantinho do Vovô near Jacarepaguá, adopting a communal lifestyle while composing music amid Brazil’s military regime. Intending to counteract the prevailing somber musical trends of that time, they created their second album, Acabou Chorare, released by Som Livre in 1972. This album enjoyed commercial success with tracks like 'Brasil Pandeiro' and was later honored as Brazil’s greatest album by Rolling Stone magazine. During this era, Novos Baianos incorporated A Cor do Som as an auxiliary ensemble.
Their simple living focused on music and soccer inspired their third album, Novos Baianos F.C., released through Continental in 1973. Throughout this period, they maintained a pronounced hippie aesthetic.
The band continued producing albums until disbanding in 1979. In 1974, Moreira departed to pursue solo endeavors—a significant change given his key role as principal composer and arranger alongside Galvão and Gomes. The group brought in Gato Félix but eventually saw Carvalho leave in 1976 to join A Cor do Som. Didi Gomes succeeded Carvalho on bass before the band dissolved as members concentrated on individual careers. Despite this breakup, they reunited sporadically for special occasions in 1997 and 2015.
In 1997, Luiz Galvão authored Anos 70: Novos e Baianos, chronicling the band’s legacy within Brazilian music. Subsequently, they released a live album titled Infinito Circular, recorded in Rio de Janeiro. In 2007, Moreira published a cordel literature piece about the group.
The band regrouped without Moreira in 2009 to commemorate their 40th anniversary and later issued a second live album called Acabou Chorare - Novos Baianos Se Encontram (2017), which captured performances from their 2015-2018 tour.
Moraes Moreira passed away due to a heart attack on April 13, 2020, at age 72. Later that year, the original members reunited for a tribute show at Festival Coala. Luiz Galvão died from illness on October 22, 2022, aged 87.
Core members
- Moraes Moreira – lead vocals, acoustic guitar (passed away 2020)
- Paulinho Boca de Cantor – lead vocals
- Pepeu Gomes – electric guitar
- Baby Consuelo – vocals and percussion
- Luiz Galvão – lyricist (deceased 2022)
Supporting musicians
- Dadi Carvalho – bass guitar
- Jorginho Gomes – cavaquinho, drums, percussion
- José "Baixinho" Roberto – drums, percussion (deceased 2003)
- Luís Bolacha – percussion instruments
Studio releases
- 1970 – É Ferro na Boneca (RGE)
- 1972 – Acabou Chorare (Som Livre)
- 1973 – Novos Baianos F.C. (Continental)
- 1974 – Novos Baianos (Continental)
- 1974 – Vamos pro Mundo (Som Livre)
- 1976 – Caia na Estrada e Perigas Ver (Tapecar)
- 1977 – Praga de Baiano (Tapecar)
- 1978 – Farol da Barra (CBS)
Live recordings
- 1997 – Infinito Circular (Globo Polydor)
- 2017 – Acabou Chorare - Novos Baianos Se Encontram (Som Livre)
Singles and EPs
- 1969 – "Colégio de Aplicação" / "De Vera" (RGE)
- 1970 – "Curto da Véu e Grinalda" / "Volta Que o Mundo Dá" (RGE)
- 1971 – "Psiu" / "29 Beijos" / "Globo da Morte" / "Mini Planeta Íris" (Maxi single) (RGE)
- 1971 – "Dê um Rolê" / "Você Me Dá um Disco?" / "Caminho de Pedro" / "Risque" (Maxi single) (Philips)
- 1973 – "No Tcheco Tcheco" / "Boas Festas" (Continental)
- 1973 – "A Minha Profundidade" / "O Prato e a Mesa" (Continental)
- 1976 – "Ninguém Segura Este País" / "Ovo de Colombo" (Tapecar)
- 1979 – "Casei no Natal, Larguei no Reveillon" / "Pra Enlouquecer na Praça" / "Alibabá Alibabou" / "Apoteose do Trio para Dodô" (CBS)