Roberto Menescal

Roberto Menescal (born October 25, 1937) is a Brazilian composer, record producer, guitarist, vocalist, and pioneer of bossa nova. In many of his songs there are references to the sea, including his best-known composition "O Barquinho" ("Little Boat"). He is also known for work with Carlos Lyra, Nara Leão, Wanda Sá, Ale Vanzella, and many others. Menescal has performed in Latin music genres such as bossa nova, samba and MPB. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy for his work with his son's bossa group Bossacucanova in 2002, and received the 2013 Latin Recording Academy Special Awards in Las Vegas in November 2013.

Career In 1957, he worked as sideman for Sylvia Telles in Brazil. A year later he started a guitar school with Carlos Lyra. He formed one of the earliest bossa nova bands with Bebeto, Henrique, João Mário, and Luís Carlos Vinhas.