João Bosco in Curitiba

João Bosco is a Brazilian singer, guitarist and songwriter, born in Ponte Nova in 1946. His samba- and jazz-rooted MPB is closely associated with lyricist Aldir Blanc, his partner on songs including “O Bêbado e a Equilibrista,” “O Mestre-Sala dos Mares” and “Kid Cavaquinho”; recordings by Elis Regina helped bring their work to a wide audience. His own repertoire also includes “Papel Machê” and albums such as Caça à Raposa and Galos de Briga. The concert album and DVD Obrigado, Gente! documented João Bosco’s stage repertoire, centered on his singing and rhythmically intricate acoustic guitar. He has carried that format into theatres and jazz festivals outside Brazil, including the Montreux Jazz Festival.