In the summer of 1965, the music group Os Saints was formed, a trio led by Luís de Freitas Branco (vocals and guitar), alongside João Valeriano (bass) and Alexandre Corte Real (drums).
After Corte Real emigrated, Luís Pinto Freitas (lead guitar and vocals), João Ferreira da Costa (keyboards), and José Jervis d’Athouguia (drums) joined the band, transforming it into a quintet. They decided to participate in one of the well-known “yé yé” music contests held at the Teatro Monumental in Lisbon, and they made it to the finals, at which point they changed their name to Os Claves.
The success they achieved allowed them to open for stars of the era, such as Romano Mussolini and Richard Anthony, during their performances in Lisbon. In addition, they made several appearances on RTP programs and, in 1966, released their debut album under the Spanish label Marfer. This EP includes covers of “Keep On Running” by the Spencer Davis Group, “Where Have All The Good Times Gone” by The Kinks, “Fare Thee Well” by Chad & Jeremy, and an original composition titled “Crer,” written by Luís Pinto de Freitas.
Later that year, they secured a record deal with the Portuguese label Alvorada and released their second EP, which featured the songs “California Dreaming” by the Mamas and Papas, “Somebody Help Me” by the Spencer Davis Group, “Daydream” by the Lovin’ Spoonful, and “Sha La La Lee” by the Small Faces.
Despite continuing to perform in various locations throughout Portugal, their status as students made it difficult to pursue their music career, and the band eventually finished after a few years.
