Quarteto Em Cy: The Pioneering Sound of Brazilian Vocal Jazz

Quarteto Em Cy is a foundational Brazilian vocal group renowned for their sophisticated harmonies and central role in the Tropicália and MPB movements. Hailing from Salvador, Bahia, the sisters achieved major success with their 1968 self-titled album and became celebrated collaborators with many of Brazil's most important musical figures.

Early career

The quartet was formed in 1964 by the four Castro sisters: Cyva, Cybele, Cynara, and Cylene. Their professional start came after moving to Rio de Janeiro, where their intricate vocal arrangements quickly caught the attention of the burgeoning bossa nova and jazz scene. They signed with the influential label Elenco and released their debut album, "Quarteto Em Cy," in 1965, establishing their signature blend of Brazilian rhythms with advanced jazz harmonies.

Breakthrough

The group's true breakthrough arrived in 1968 with their participation on the landmark album "Tropicália: ou Panis et Circensis," a definitive manifesto of the cultural movement. Their vocals were integral to tracks by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, cementing their status as the premier vocal ensemble of their generation. This led to increased demand for their own work and high-profile collaborations throughout the 1970s.

Key tracks

Panis et Circensis — Their performance on this Caetano Veloso composition became an anthem of the Tropicália movement.

Barca — This Edu Lobo composition, featured on their 1968 album, showcases their flawless harmonic control and emotional depth.

Tudo Que Você Podia Ser — Their interpretation of this Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges song is a masterclass in vocal arrangement within the MPB genre.

Viola Enluarada — A popular hit that highlights their ability to blend pop sensibility with complex jazz-inflected vocals.

Canto de Ossanha — Their version of this Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moraes classic remains a definitive recording of the song.

The 1970s and 80s saw Quarteto Em Cy maintain a prolific output, releasing albums like "Antologia do Samba-Choro" and collaborating with artists such as Chico Buarque, Tom Jobim, and João Bosco. Their work has been sampled by modern producers, underscoring their lasting influence on Brazilian music. The group continued performing for decades, with later formations sometimes including a new generation of the family.

Fans of Quarteto Em Cy's intricate Brazilian vocal jazz should explore Os Mutantes for their shared Tropicália experimentation. The sophisticated MPB harmonies of MPB4 offer a similar vocal group dynamic. The songwriting of Milton Nascimento frequently intersected with the quartet's artistic path. For another dimension of female-led Brazilian vocal music, listen to Rita Lee from her post-Mutantes solo career.

Quarteto Em Cy's timeless catalog is a staple on Brazilian music radio stations and specialty jazz programs featured on this website. Their recordings are regularly featured on MPB and classic Brazilian pop channels, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to vocal jazz and Latin music history.

The music of Quarteto Em Cy continues to be broadcast on radio stations available through our network. Listeners can discover the iconic harmonies of this essential Brazilian group by tuning into the curated stations featured on onairium.com.