MPB-4 is a Brazilian vocal quartet formed in 1962, in the heart of the Rio de Janeiro bossa nova scene... The four singers -- Aquiles, Magro, Miltinho, and Ruy -- pursued a modern, hip vocal style, similar to that of American groups such as Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, which made the vocals acrobatics and complex harmonies the centerpiece of their work, as opposed to the sweet harmonies of earlier vocal groups. They were mirrored in this approach by their female counterparts in Quarteto Em Cy which was formed around the same time, and with whom they would work over the decades. (Lead singer Ruy Faria was also married to Quarteto vocalist Cynara; two of their children pursued musical careers...) In 2004, after marking their 40th anniversary, Ruy Faria left the group and a new singer (Dalmo Medeiros of the group Ceu Da Boca) was brought in as his replacement.