User:Grooobert/Blues Etílicos

Blues Etílicos is a Brazilian blues band created in Rio de Janeiro in 1985. They are widely considered the most important Brazilian blues band, being record holders in attendance at shows and CD sales in the segment.

The group's empathy with the public is due to the originality of composing in both English and Portuguese. American vocalist and guitarist Greg Wilson (b. Tupelo, Mississippi) gives an authentic flavor to the English songs. The harmonica and guitar soloists, Flávio Guimarães and Otávio Rocha, stand out in the solos, accompanied by the cohesive and swing-filled back end of Pedro Strasser on drums and Cláudio Bedran on bass.

The group is also known for opening shows in Brazil for renowned blues acts such as: B. B. King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Sugar Blue, Ike Turner, Magic Slim, among many others.

Blues Etílicos have released 13 CDs, 9 of which are studio recordings, 2 live recordings and 2 compilations.

History
Blues Etílicos was formed in Rio de Janeiro in 1985, by harmonica player Flávio Guimarães, bassist Cláudio Bedran and guitarist Otávio Rocha and, a few months after its debut, incorporated American singer and guitarist Greg Wilson and drummer Gil Eduardo.

In 1987, the band recorded their first LP, on the independent label Satisfaction Discos. Soon after, they were hired by Recording Company Eldorado, releasing Água Mineral in 89, San Ho Zay in 1990 and IV in 91. San Ho Zay reached the mark of 35,000 copies sold, being the all-time best-selling album by a Brazilian blues band.

Blues Etílicos was the first and the main band to create a loyal audience in this segment in Brazil, and thanks to this they participated in all local festivals linked to this musical genre, sharing the stage with leading names in international blues such as B. B. King, Robert Cray and Buddy Guy among others.

In 1989, the band gained wide recognition through the first International Blues Festival, in the city of Ribeirão Preto, opening the festival on the same night as Buddy Guy. The festival was a watershed for the genre in Brazil and several local bands emerged influenced by Blues Etílicos. During this period, Blues Etílicos had several special programs on TV stations such as TV Cultura, Rede Manchete and Brazilian MTV, in addition to having their songs widely played on radio stations across the country.

Between 1995 and 1996, the band made around 20 performances with singer Ed Motta, breaking successive attendance records at Circo Voador, in Rio de Janeiro, as well as in theaters and nightclubs across the country. In Florianópolis, they performed in front of an audience of 25,000 people on the city's anniversary.

From 1996 onwards, drummer Pedro Strasser took over the drumsticks and the band released the albums Dente de Ouro in 1996, Águas Barrentas – Ao Vivo in 2001, Cor do Universo in 2003, Viva Muddy Waters in 2007. The band celebrated 25 years of career in 2010 with the release of their first DVD: Blues Etílicos Ao Vivo no Bolshoi Pub. The CD Puro Malte was released in 2013. Much of the band's discography as well as the DVD are available through the label Substancial Music.´

Personnel
Current Personnel (2017)


 * Greg Wilson - North American, born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of South Carolina. In addition to being a vocalist, he plays guitar and trumpet.
 * Flávio Guimarães - harmonica player who is a reference in Brazilian blues and rock. Has performed as a special guest on shows by Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Magic Slim, Charlie Musselwhite, Sugar Blue and other major names in North American blues. In Brazil he has recorded with Alceu Valença, Ed Motta, Cássia Eller, Titãs, Zeca Baleiro, Zélia Duncan, Fernanda Abreu, Luiz Melodia and Paulo Moura, among others.
 * Otávio Rocha - Slide and solo guitar. Also works as rhythm guitarist and composer.
 * Beto Werther – drummer, also one of the leading players of the instrument in Brazilian blues.
 * Cláudio Bedran - bassist and co-founder of the band, acts as composer of most of the group's songs in Portuguese.

Discography

 * 30 Anos (Live) - 2015 (Substancial Music)
 * Puro Malte - 2013 (Substancial Music)
 * O Melhor do Blues Etílicos - 2012 (Substancial Music)
 * Viva Muddy Waters - 2007 (Chico Blues Records)
 * Cor do Universo - 2003 (Net Records)
 * Águas Barrentas - Ao Vivo - 2001 (Eldorado)
 * The Best Of Blues Etílicos - 1998 (Eldorado)
 * Dente de Ouro - 1996 (Abril Music)
 * Salamandra - 1994 (Natasha Records)
 * IV - 1991 (Eldorado)
 * San-Ho-Zay - 1990 (Eldorado)
 * Água Mineral - 1989 (Eldorado)
 * Blues Etílicos - 1987 (Satisfaction)

DVD: Blues Etílicos ao vivo no Bolshoi Pub - 2012