Fabiano Do Nascimento – Vila
Master guitarist and composer Fabiano Do Nascimento is back again with a new album called “Vila”. It’s a collaborative work with Brazilian trombonist and arranger Vittor Santos and inspired by a courtyard surrounded by neo-colonial houses where Fabiano spent much of his childhood. And I think it is his most refined album to date, not only because of his beautiful and always stunning guitar artistry, but also because those strings (16-piece orchestra) fit the compositions perfectly. They serve as a cushion, as a carpet, as topping on a chocolate cake, and so much more. It is clear from the start with “O Tempo (Foi O Meu Mestre)” that we’re in for a real treat here. A joyful piece which sometimes reminds me of the best instrumental AC Jobim tunes. “Spring Theme”, one of the tracks which had been released prior to the album, really evokes the blossoming of the tulips and the long-awaited upcoming warmer season. A slow and tender piece where Fabiano almost talks through his guitar and the strings reminding us that there is a warmer period ahead. It all gets more intense when the subtle percussion sets in. Simply beautiful.
There is this cinematic approach on “Tema Em Harmônicos”, where Vittor augments the story with his trombone playing on top of smooth percussion and vital strings. There is so much beauty on this record, like on the really fascinating, almost wistful “Uirapurú”. Fabiano, who now lives in Los Angeles where he is known in both the jazz and experimental music scenes, has recorded his album between LA and Rio de Janeiro. On “Valsa”, he sounds closest to his fantastic solo LP “Ykytu”, which we reviewed here when it came out in 2021. Some melancholic vibe can be witnessed on “Floresta Dos Sonhos”, the longest piece on offer. The strings are swaying and caressing and Fabiano’s playing is unique and consistently stunning throughout the set.
I also really dig the free-flowing “Plateau” which is both tranquil and thrilling at the same time. And there is both a classical and a folk approach on the majestic “Prelude 5”, another standout track. Fabiano and Vittor both gel amazingly well right through to the end, the appropriately titled “Vittor e Fabi”. This is going to be the soundtrack of our spring here. And certainly beyond.
Fabiano is on tour in Europe in March so don’t miss out on this one.
3/01 Edinburgh – Voodoo Rooms
3/03 Copenhagen – Rust
3/04 Berlin – Gretchen
3/06 Oslo – Blå
3/07 Warsaw – Jassmine
3/09 Amsterdam – Tolhuistuin
3/10 Barcelona – Laut
3/11 Lisbon – St. George’s Church
3/13 Brussels – Flagey
