Adriano was part of a generation of composers and singers of political songs that used music and lyrics to fight against the Estado Novo dictatorial regime.

Adriano was a personal friend of musicians Zeca Afonso, Padre Fanhais, Sérgio Godinho, and Luísa Basto, with whom he collaborated in the recording of many albums.

His first recording, Fado de Coimbra, was released in 1963, accompanied by António Portugal and Rui Pato.

In this record he performs the first rendition of Trova do Vento Que Passa, with poetry by Manuel Alegre, which would become a sort of anthem of resistance to the dictatorship.

The record, directed and produced by Fausto Bordalo Dias, includes a rare participation of guitarist Carlos Paredes.