University of Massachusetts Lowell, Center for Lowell History
Oliveira Music Collection [c. 1960-1986]
This collection includes selected songs from the Oliveira Family music collection. Tracks include instrumentals, often featuring the mandolin, and lyric songs that typically reflect the style of Fado.
Collection Background:
While working on the Oliveira Family Photograph Collection, members of the Oliveira family also shared a collection of reel-to-reel audio tapes (and a few cassettes), which had belonged to the Oliveira brothers. Jimmie and Manny Oliveira, along with their friend Happy Volerio, created a popular local group called the "Variety Trio." Many of their recordings can be found in this collection. Additionally, Jimmie was a very talented mandolin player and his talent is showcased throughout the many recordings of live events, radio broadcasts, and private home practices.
These recordings were likely recorded around the 1960s, with a few casettes likely dated back to the 1980s. Although most of the recordings can be identified as members of the Oliveira family or the Variety Trio, the identification of some performers are unknown.
Tape Descriptions:
Collection Background:
While working on the Oliveira Family Photograph Collection, members of the Oliveira family also shared a collection of reel-to-reel audio tapes (and a few cassettes), which had belonged to the Oliveira brothers. Jimmie and Manny Oliveira, along with their friend Happy Volerio, created a popular local group called the "Variety Trio." Many of their recordings can be found in this collection. Additionally, Jimmie was a very talented mandolin player and his talent is showcased throughout the many recordings of live events, radio broadcasts, and private home practices.
These recordings were likely recorded around the 1960s, with a few casettes likely dated back to the 1980s. Although most of the recordings can be identified as members of the Oliveira family or the Variety Trio, the identification of some performers are unknown.
Tape Descriptions:
- Tape #1: 12 instrumental tracks; 8 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Variety Trio Port. Hour"
- Tape #2: 13 instrumental tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Jim's Varsity Trio Best"
- Tape #3: 6 instrumental tracks; 1 lyrical track; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Var. Trio"
- Tape #4: 4 instrumental tracks; 8 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Portuguese Hour Elaine"
- Tape #5: 7 instrumental tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Port. Fados/Varsity Trio"
- Tape #6: 12 instrumental tracks; originally recorded on casette tape; labelled "Bass and Guitar 1983"
- Tape #7: 10 instrumental tracks; originally recorded on casette tape; labelled "James Oliveira"
- Tape #8: 15 instrumental tracks; originally recorded on casette tape; labelled "James Oliveira, the Variety Trio"
- Tape #9: 14 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Joe Gouveia Cae Cae"
- Tape #10: 9 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Port. Music"
- Tape #11: 9 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Port. Music"
- Tape #12: 8 lyrical tracks; originally recorded on reel-to-reel audio tape; labelled "Port. Music"