EDU MANGA
Brazilian rock guitarist
by Ane Oliveira
October 15 1960 - November 28 2021
EDU MANGA Brazilian rock guitarist
And there was light...
Energizing microphones, electric guitars, amplifiers, stage lights, city lights, dance floors, neon lights, keyboards, strobe lights, speakers, pedals, greenrooms, spotlights
INTRO
On this date which would be the birthday of legendary guitarist Edu, publishing this text as a simple outline of his trajectory as a top musician in the night circuit of São Paulo is a way to pay tribute to him in face of the sadness brought by his early departure, after 4 decades on the city hype stages.
Alive in the affective memory and musical background of all people who had the opportunity and the privilege to watch him play, Edu will always be associated to top quality music and to the fierceness with which he embraced the electric guitar and the music, throughout his life.
BIO
Born named Eduardo Paes de Almeida on October 15, 1960 in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, legendary rock guitarist Edu Manga emerged in the city night circuit around 1979 as lead guitarist in the pioneer Cadela rock band, which performed live to perfection and with its unique musicality and irreverence hits of Brazilian rock icons such as Jovem Guarda, Rita Lee, Os Incríveis, Raul Seixas, Made in Brazil, Tutti Frutti etc., as well as international rock and hard rock classics, and authorial songs.
Edu started playing the electric guitar very early when he was around 16 years-old, and never stopped ever since.
After an early debut in rock bands Morsa and Cala Boca – originated from an entire generation of bands which performed live in the famous domingueiras[1] all over the city back in the 70s – , Edu was called by lead singer and front man Sisão Salvaterra when the later formed Cadela in 1979.
In its original line-up, with Sisão – vocals, Edu – guitars, Celsão (later: Tiguez) – bass and Horácio – drums, Cadela attracted many fans which followed the band’s live performances around the exciting circuit of bars which featured live rock shows in São Paulo, playing on memorable stages such as of Calabar, and others of equal prestige.
Driving around Vila Mariana and best rock bars of the city with its gear gathered in the sky- blue VW Kombi (with the unique Cadela logo painted on both sides), this pioneer rock band catalyzed like no other the rise of high-quality live rock presentations in the hype circuit of bars in São Paulo in the late 70s/early 80s.
Cadela caused a real impression delivering musical virtuosity and full-power shows, broad setlists mixing the best of Brazilian and international rock and authorial songs, allied to the irreverence the band used to perform with, magnetizing the fans. For the first time, a rock cover band delivered live much more than the simple reproduction of great hits!
At that time, Edu played his famous black Gibson Les Paul Custom which had a remarkable heavy sound.
[1] Matinée ball parties very popular among teenagers, usually thrown on Sunday (domingo) afternoons by sports clubs, in which many of the best live rock cover bands in the city used to perform back in the 60s, 70s and part of the 80s
A hardcore Deep Purple’s Ritchie Blackmore fan, very early Edu Manga developed a very own style of playing, combining power, subtlety and top technique. Also the innovative musicality and technique of Eddie Van Halen would strongly influence his playing style and creativity in forthcoming years. Edu’s white Fender “Frankenstrat” demonstrated this powerful influence.
Photo: white Fender Frankenstrat and Meteoro amp
Between 1980/81 Cadela “turns into” Quarto Crescente, upon the arrival of Percy Weiss (former member of Made in Brazil and Patrulha do Espaço) on vocals. Edu takes part as co-author of 5 tracks in the album named after the band (released in 1981, with Tony Babalu on lead guitar), namely: Aves Noturnas; Bicicleta; Serra Pelada; Regue Fajuto and Triste Cidade (Fermata, 1980).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXeMWCE5yRA&ab_channel=MingoManito
In 1981 Corsário is formed, with: Sisão – vocals, Edu – guitars (both former Cadela members), Norba Zamboni – guitars, Franklin Paolillo (former-Tutti Frutti and Rita Lee member) – drums, and Nilton Leonarde – bass. A supergroup, which would have many lineups.
Photo: Corsário, a supergroup: Sisão, Norba, Nilton, Edu, Franklin
Corsário performed regularly in the best bars and dance houses of the city (Sem Fim, De Repente, Segredo da Dama, Acontece) up to 1984: broad repertoire, a great front man and two lead guitars on stage.
In 1984 Edu was also co-founder of Kaleidoscope. The original lineup was: Edu, Nelsinho Borba Jr.,Fulvio Sting, Batista Zuppo and Carlinhos Beltreschi.
In 1985, Edu reunited with lead singer Sisão as lead guitarist in XKW, band founded earlier in 1984 which mastered in capturing in the new wave rhythm and linguage an opportunity for the Brazilian pop rock, incorporating diversity of styles, beautiful arrangements and the use of keyboards.
XKW was: Sisão – vocals, Edu – guitars, Tinho – bass, and Franklin Paolilo – drums.
In 1984 XKW released the song “Doce Bailarina”, highly broadcasted on FM radios in the country. The song generated the A-Side of a single, with “Signo de Virgem” and “Nunca Fui Mau” as B-Side. Norba Zamboni played the guitars and signed the arrangements (with Sérgio Sá). A second single was released with “Quero Ser Patrão” and “Melancia Sem Caroço” (both by Copacabana, studio).
In 1986, with Edu as lead guitarist, the XKW LP (Copacabana, studio) is released, featuring authorial and non-authorial songs crafted with softness, humor, elaborated lyrics and fine arrangements.
A mix of styles with careful production, this record is a reference in the national rock scenario of the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBPvL1SvAd8&ab_channel=FAILMAN%3AHFetals
In 1987, XKW opened the show for Radio Táxi (former band of late guitarist Wander Taffo, 1954-2008) in the city of Santos, at the Saldanha da Gama arena.
The show, on January 10th, 1987, featuring Roberto M. Silva as rhythm guitar, was recorded on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVprIk4fPno (remastered).
Photo: XKW in 1986: Tinho, Sisão, Edu and Paolillo
From the mid-80s on, worldwide return of hardcore rock, hard rocl & heavy metal bands with the consagration of giants such as Van Halen, Iron Maiden, AC DC, Scorpions, Metallica etc. – after the “pause” imposed by new wave – generated renewed demand for good live international rock and heavy metal cover bands in the city.
In the early 2000s Sisão and Edu reunited to form Capitão América, performing live together again in the best rock bars of São Paulo. Capitão América was: Sisão – vocals, Edu – guitars, Tinho (later: Homero) – bass, Adriano Augusto – keyboards, and Batista – drums.
Photo: Sisão and Edu ahead of the Capitão, Anexo da Nena, 2010
With intense musicality and talent, Capitão covered a wide range of international rock, hard/ metal rock and pop rock classics, including Creedence Clearwater, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Deep Purple, Doobie Bros., Black Sabbath, Guns ‘n’ Roses etc., in addition to Brazilian rock greatest hits.
The area of Bixiga concentrated the band’s live shows which set an even higher quality standard, with experienced musicians delivering great performances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mNNev9qUJU&ab_channel=Daniel10arte
Gigs in coastal cities and interior of São Paulo were also part of the band’s agenda in its 10 years on the road.
Special guests like guitarist Faíska, drummer Wallace Van Loon and other important rock musicians shared the stage in famous jam sessions with Capitão.
Around 2011 the Flying Rock band is formed, with an even broader setlist featuring greatest hits of Brazilian and international rock, pop rock and hard / metal rock, and definitely including the keyboards among its instruments, highlighting Adriano Augusto.
The early times of Flying Rock are briefly recorded in an interview given by Edu to the ‘Rock on the Road’ show, on the Just TV YouTube channel - from 18:30 on https://youtu.be/3AsfNIwTOkE?si=HqnRgXzfIP-kI2LI
Photo: Edu with Flying Rock: Ivan, Marcelo, Homero and Adriano, 2013
The original Flying Rock lineup was: Edu Manga – guitars, Marcelo Mancha (later John Charge) – vocals, Homero – bass, Adriano – keyboards, and Caio (later Ivan Scartezini / Marcell) – drums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE6jSbJtVdw&ab_channel=AdrianoAugusto
Memorable live performances also took the high-quality rock fever of São Paulo to more distant audiences. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3YJp-WyaeG/
While actuating ahead of the Flying Rock, between 2017 and 2019 Edu also took part in other two bands: Código Rock (Edu – lead guitar, Roberto – guitars, Homero – bass, Marcell – drums, and André – vocals) and BSB – Bruno Santanna Band (Edu – lead guitar, Bruno Tritono Santanna – vocals, percussion, Homero – bass and Ivan Scartezini – drums). Watch on https://www.facebook.com/1509866169/videos/330198625174755/
Flying Rock successfully continued performing up to the start of the coronavirus pandemics in March 2020, which interrupted the sequence of scheduled shows. Watch Help, video recorded like a collage with the musicians at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmznU6B0Yv8&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
While resuming its activities after the pandemics, Flying Rock restarted some live performances in the city of São Paulo up to the death of Eduardo in November, 2021, when it eventually disbanded.
With his professional talent, determination and honesty, charisma and extreme cheerfulness, added to the amazing humility in his personal and professional relationships, lead guitarist Edu Manga captivated a whole legion of fans, musician colleagues and friends throughout his career.
A dear friend to all he got acquainted with, Edu is missed everywhere he’s been.
On March 20, 2022, drummer Wallace Van Loon promoted in its The Wall Café, in São Paulo, the Tribute to Edu Manga evening show - https://www.facebook.com/roberto.manoel.s/videos/1436688643543349, when lead singer Sisão, guitarists Xando Zupo and Roberto Silva and Flying Rock (with Adriano Augusto, Ivan Scartezini and Homero Feijó) reunited to pay tribute to the guitarist who was the living portrait of the best of live rock music in the city for more than 40 years.
The authentic musician is timeless
More than any other form of art, music flows regardless of any materiality.
Not the clothes, aspect, age, beliefs, origin or even manners,
we search in the musician for his essence, perennial and vital energy,
intangible.
We search in the musician for the essence we are afraid to lose
#edumanga #guitarristaedumanga #eduardopaesdealmeida #edúpaes #bandacadela #cadela #bandaquartocrescente #quartocrescente #bandacorsário #corsário #bandaxkw #xkw #bandacapitao #bandacapitaoamerica #bandaflyingrock #flyingrock #thewallcafe #cafepiupiu #auroracafe #anexodanena #botecohelena #grainne’s #kildare #newyorkpub #calabar #semfim #rosebombom #sampa #derepentebar #acontecebar #segredodadama #fenderstratocaster #fendertelecaster #gibsonlespaul #ritchieblackmore #eddievanhalen #vilamariana #ruavitorbrecheret #vanhalen #deeppurple #sisãosalvaterra #faíska #norbazamboni #franklinpaolillo #tiguez #tiguezluthier #brunotritonosantanna #wallacevanloon #wandertaffo #noitepaulistana
References
Cadela
Lost Somewhere in Time… Found somewhere in our dreams - with Sisão, Edu, Tigueis and Horácio
Corsário
https://www.facebook.com/norbazamboni54/?locale=pt_BR
https://www.facebook.com/groups/381606809506075?locale=pt_BR
https://www.facebook.com/groups/381606809506075/search/?q=Norba%20Zamboni%20II&locale=pt_BR
XKW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHe6TRN_0wI&t=1057s&ab_channel=robertomsilva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBPvL1SvAd8&t=121s&ab_channel=FAILMAN%3AHFetals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBPvL1SvAd8&t=637s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBPvL1SvAd8&t=659s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVprIk4fPno (remastered)
https://www.picuki.com/profile/rita__priest
Capitão América
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RrHhz4AeGo&ab_channel=Sinhore76
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvgZsL8Amd8&ab_channel=Daniel10arte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdyHNdZ6Dtk&ab_channel=Daniel10arte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mNNev9qUJU&ab_channel=Daniel10arte
Flying Rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYtIGw4JcrM&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcGThtlWrbo&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhQXSJ1pZyU&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV2u2NXYd3s&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ric2rxZaao&ab_channel=FlyingRock2011
04 BANDA FLYING ROCK Show no Anexo da Nena em São José dos Campos, SP , Dia 21/04/2012 - YouTube
https://www.baressp.com.br/shows/cafe-piu-recebe-flying-rock-com-participacao-de-faiska-rota-do-rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE6jSbJtVdw&ab_channel=AdrianoAugusto
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIK0yVTOUBa/
https://www.facebook.com/100002244760539/videos/3827475774003877/
https://www.facebook.com/100000118754079/videos/3540888369258420/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyrWO3h-D5Y&ab_channel=Robertomanoeldasilva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SfQBn-IR4
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3YJp-WyaeG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
BSB – Bruno Santanna Band
https://www.facebook.com/1509866169/videos/330198625174755/
https://www.facebook.com/1509866169/videos/10214810020353307/
Tribute to Edu Manga – The Wall Café
https://www.facebook.com/roberto.manoel.s/videos/1436688643543349
Research
http://paineldorockbrasil80.blogspot.com/2017/04/xkw.html
https://doutormandrake.com/2011/06/03/vamos-da-arte-para-danceterias-que-marcaram-epoca/
revista São Paulo Edição Especial Noite – suplemento de A Folha de São Paulo, 15 a 21 de abril de 2012
https://djzeroberto.blogspot.com/2019/07/recordar-rose-bom-bom-sao-paulo.html
http://setedoses.blogspot.com/2013/07/serie-o-resgate-da-memoria-32-os.html
https://jardimecleticorockblog.wordpress.com/tag/rose-bom-bom/
https://www.discogs.com/pt_BR/release/7127061-Quarto-Crescente-Quarto-Crescente-
https://www.discogs.com/artist/6807845-Edú-Paes?opt=OFvp
https://canalvinilblog.wordpress.com/quarto-crescente/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXeMWCE5yRA&ab_channel=MingoManito
https://popfantasma.com.br/braco-de-ferro-o-power-pop-va-la-chega-as-novelas/ - Project XK (precursor of XKW) recorded the opening theme of soap opera Braço de Ferro, Bandeirantes TV Network (1983)
Thanks to
Edu Manga in memorian I facebook @edumanga1
Haydée Paes de Almeida in memorian I facebook
Roberto Manoel da Silva - roberto msilva I Q&A’s, youtube, facebook
Sisão Salvaterra I interview, youtube, facebook
Norba Zamboni I Q&A’s, facebook
Adriano Augusto I youtube, instagram
Bruno Tritono Santanna I facebook
Anete Santa Lúcia I Just TV YouTube Channel- Rock on the Road, youtube
Flying Rock I facebook, instagram
Ozzy I for unconditional support
There are more things in heaven and Earth
than are dreamt of in your philosophy
Willaim Sheakespeare's Itro to Dance f Death
Iron Maiden
Pedalei por um sonho lindo
Todo multicolorido
Numa estrada pelas nuvens
Pro infinito e mais além
Entre nuvens de brinquedo
Estrelas de chocolate
A Via Lácea era o caminho
Novos mundos, nossa meta
Pra não mais voltar
Bicicleta
Quarto Crescente
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Listening to you, I get the music
Gazing at you, I get the heat
Following you, I climb the mountain
I get excitement at your feet
See Me, Feel Me
The Who
They dared to go
Where no one would try
They chose to fly
Where eagles dare
Where Eagles Dare
Iron Maiden
All you have been, all you have seen
Lost somewhere in your dreams....
I wish I could go back
I'll never be the same again....
And when I leave this world
I hope to see you all again
On the other side of hell on Earth....
On the other side, I'll see again in heaven
So far away from this hell on Earth
Hell on Earth
Iron Maiden
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last
When all are one, and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll
Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
An epic novel no one's read
Pages torn and faded
The greatest story never told
...
Lost not forgotten
Reigning against the odds
...
Lost not forgotten
King of the deathless soul
Lost not Forgotten
Dream Theater