Chico Batera, one of the best-known Brazilian percussionists, has worked with top artists like
Michel Legrand,
Ella Fitzgerald,
Frank Sinatra,
Elis Regina,
Quincy Jones,
Joni Mitchell,
Tom Jobim,
João Gilberto,
the Doors,
Milton Nascimento,
Djavan,
Chico Buarque (whom he has been accompanying as a regular member of
Buarque's band since the 1960s), and
Gilberto Gil, among others.
Chico Batera started as a professional in 1960 at the famous Carioca club Night and Day. At the also historic Beco das Garrafas he backed up
Johnny Alf, the Bossa Três, and
Sérgio Mendes, with whom he went to the U.S. In 1966, he participated in a jazz festival in Berlin, Germany. Again in Rio, he played with
Luís Carlos Vinhas; joined the Trio 3-D; and performed with Copinha,
Sérgio Barroso, and
Dom Salvador, with whom
Batera returned to the U.S., performing in several states. Settling in Los Angeles, he recorded soundtracks for
Michel Legrand and
Gerald Wilson, and LPs with
Ella Fitzgerald,
Frank Sinatra,
Quincy Jones,
Joni Mitchell,
Tom Jobim, and
the Doors, among others. In 1972,
Batera recorded with
João Gilberto in Mexico, returning to Brazil in the same year and participating in the recording of the
Som Imaginário's
A Matança do Porco. In the next year, he performed in Cannes (France) accompanying
Gal Costa. In Brazil, he also backed up
Costa and
Elis Regina in that year. In 1975,
Batera participated in
Cat Stevens' Numbers, touring twice with the composer through Europe and the U.S., taking part in 70 shows. His first solo album was recorded in 1977, Ha, Ha, Ha. ~ Alvaro Neder