Alcides Junior

Alcides Junior came from São José do Rio Preto in São Paulo state. He started gaining attention in the 1980s with songs that connected with Brazilian listeners. His 1984 album 'E Mais Um Ano Se Passa' gave him his most recognizable song, which people still play at gatherings years later.

That title track became something of a standard, along with other songs like 'As Nuvens Não Falam' and 'Canção de Amor'. The music tends to be straightforward and melodic, built around his voice and guitar. He's put out a steady stream of albums since the mid-80s, including 'O Tempo Não Para' and 'A Vida É Um Presente'.

He performs with a band that has included guitarist Edmar Gonçalves, bassist João Bosco, and drummer Luiz Carlos. The setup is fairly traditional, focused on the songs rather than elaborate production. His work has stayed within a particular vein of Brazilian popular music that values direct sentiment and familiar rhythms.