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Jacob do Bandolim

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Jacob do Bandolim, born Jacob Pick Bittencourt, was a Brazilian composer and mandolin player. He was born in 1918 in Rio de Janeiro, the son of a Brazilian-Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father. His stage name means Jacob of the mandolin, after his instrument. He died in 1969 of a heart attack, on the way back from a day with his friend Pixinguinha, with whom he wanted to plan a recording.

Music and breakthrough

Jacob was known as a perfectionist. With his group Época de Ouro he reached a very high level of performance. He hated the image of the sloppy, drunken folk musician and demanded commitment and a neat appearance from his players, who, like himself, had ordinary jobs. He himself worked as a pharmacist, insurance salesman, street vendor and finally notary, to earn his living alongside his music.

Influence

His name is above all tied to choro, the Brazilian instrumental style with fast, playful melodies. He wrote more than a hundred pieces, from the lyrical Noites Cariocas to Receita de Samba and Dôce de Coco, and the sharp, jazzy Assanhado, which is reminiscent of bebop. He also researched the older choro and other Brazilian styles and tried to preserve them. His son Sérgio Bittencourt later wrote the song Naquela Mesa as a tribute to his father.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Noites Cariocas and follow the mandolin: notice the singing melody and the guitars that sit beneath it rhythmically.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: ArtistsChoro