Brazilian guitarist Fabiano do Nascimento has long been known for his genre-bending sound, which effortlessly blends elements of jazz, folk, and electronic music. His latest album, "Vila," marks a significant departure from his previous work as he collaborates with the 16-piece Vittor Santos Orquestra to create an orchestral composition that showcases his versatility as a performer.
Across its 11 tracks, Nascimento's performance weaves seamlessly through the orchestra's dynamic range, often playing multiple roles simultaneously. On "Spring Theme," he establishes a simple lead melody that guides the ensemble, while on "Tema em Harmônicos," his fingerpicking mirrors the rhythmic pattern of hand percussion and trumpet. The intricate picking on "Plateau" answers the staccato tones of the brass section, leading and following in perfect harmony.
Conductor Vittor Santos's arrangements reference the lush, bossa-influenced orchestrations of fellow countryman Arthur Verocai, producing enveloping, overlaid harmonies on tracks like "Valsa" and "Floresta Dos Sonhos." The result is imaginative mood music that luxuriates in gentle, sweeping viola and violin lines, with Nascimento's virtuosic dexterity taking center stage.
One of the standout tracks is "O Tempo (Foi o Meu Mestre)," where Nascimento switches from a double-time swing to a half-time, yearning sway, showcasing his ability to move listeners without an attention-grabbing crescendo or solo. The album's pace may be deliberate and measured, but Nascimento's passion and musicality are undeniable.
While "Vila" may never reach its full dramatic potential, it is a testament to Nascimento's skill as a composer and performer that he can evoke such emotions with subtle, nuanced playing. With his impressive range and technical prowess on full display, this album is a must-listen for fans of genre-bending jazz and folk music.
In addition to "Vila," several other albums are worth checking out this month. Ghanaian singer Lamisi's "Let Us Clap (Real World)" combines fierce activism with thumping production that features traditional Ghanaian folk rhythm and electronics. Ethiopian psych-jazz saxophonist Tilaye Gebre's reissued album "Saxophone With the Dahlak Band" is a rediscovered gem, while Malian masters Neba Solo and Benego Diakité release "A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking," featuring deeply funky grooves bolstered by delicate choral arrangements.
Across its 11 tracks, Nascimento's performance weaves seamlessly through the orchestra's dynamic range, often playing multiple roles simultaneously. On "Spring Theme," he establishes a simple lead melody that guides the ensemble, while on "Tema em Harmônicos," his fingerpicking mirrors the rhythmic pattern of hand percussion and trumpet. The intricate picking on "Plateau" answers the staccato tones of the brass section, leading and following in perfect harmony.
Conductor Vittor Santos's arrangements reference the lush, bossa-influenced orchestrations of fellow countryman Arthur Verocai, producing enveloping, overlaid harmonies on tracks like "Valsa" and "Floresta Dos Sonhos." The result is imaginative mood music that luxuriates in gentle, sweeping viola and violin lines, with Nascimento's virtuosic dexterity taking center stage.
One of the standout tracks is "O Tempo (Foi o Meu Mestre)," where Nascimento switches from a double-time swing to a half-time, yearning sway, showcasing his ability to move listeners without an attention-grabbing crescendo or solo. The album's pace may be deliberate and measured, but Nascimento's passion and musicality are undeniable.
While "Vila" may never reach its full dramatic potential, it is a testament to Nascimento's skill as a composer and performer that he can evoke such emotions with subtle, nuanced playing. With his impressive range and technical prowess on full display, this album is a must-listen for fans of genre-bending jazz and folk music.
In addition to "Vila," several other albums are worth checking out this month. Ghanaian singer Lamisi's "Let Us Clap (Real World)" combines fierce activism with thumping production that features traditional Ghanaian folk rhythm and electronics. Ethiopian psych-jazz saxophonist Tilaye Gebre's reissued album "Saxophone With the Dahlak Band" is a rediscovered gem, while Malian masters Neba Solo and Benego Diakité release "A Djinn and a Hunter Went Walking," featuring deeply funky grooves bolstered by delicate choral arrangements.