ABOUT
An exceptional guitarist with a beautiful sound and great fluidity, a unique composer that blends Brazilian Music, Classical Music, and Jazz, Chico's been nominated twice for the American Grammy Awards (in 2019 & 2020).
Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, he started playing the guitar when he was 6. At 14, he started working as a studio session guitarist and soon began to be called to collaborate with a wide range of artists in his hometown, then in Brazil, then abroad. In 2002 Chico put together a band of his own and started recording as a leader. His first album, 'Meia Noite Meio Dia' (Sony Music/ 2003), was released in 2003 with great reviews at all the most important newspapers and music magazines in Brazil and abroad and was included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' in the major newspapers of Brazil: 'O Estado de São Paulo,' 'A Folha de São Paulo' and 'O Globo.' This well-received debut included special guest vocalists Lenine, Ed Motta, Chico César, and Maria Rita.
His second release, 'Chico Pinheiro' (Biscoito Fino/ 2005), enjoyed great critical and audience acclaim, once more being included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' by newspapers' O Estado,' 'O Globo' and 'Folha de São Paulo.'
The third album, NOVA, was released in Dec/ 2007 in collaboration with the American guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson. It was, again, celebrated by critics and the audience.
His fourth album, There's a Storm Inside (CT Music Japan/ Sunnyside Records, NY, 2010), was released in 35 countries. It included guests such as Dianne Reeves and Bob Mintzer. It was featured on the downbeat, Revista Veja, O Estado de São Paulo, Folha de São Paulo, Jornal O GLOBO, and Revista Rolling Stone among the 'best albums of the year.' This record also won prizes as Best Brazilian Jazz Álbum of the year and Best Latin Jazz Composition of 2010 with 'Mamulengo' in the Latin Jazz Corner Association, USA. Chico also won as Best Latin Jazz Guitarist in the same association.
In 2012 he released the CD' TRIZ' in partnership with the pianist and composer André Mehmari and singer and composer Sergio Santos.
Meanwhile, in the Downbeat Magazine Annual Critics Poll, Chico has been listed (three times) as "Rising Star - Guitar."
In 2017 Chico released "Varanda," a unique collaboration project which all major papers and magazines in Brazil and abroad included as 'best of the year' again. His composition "Varanda" is performed by Vince Mendoza and the WDR Big Band on the Project "Focus on Brazil", along with Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Gilberto Gil, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Villa Lobos.
Today Chico is considered a leading figure in - and outside the Brazilian music scene, who has distinguished himself as a guitarist, composer, and arranger. Alongside with his main projects as leader, he also has collaborated with artists such as Placido Domingo, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, Kenny Werner, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Danilo Pérez, Nnenna Freelon, Bob Mintzer, Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade (IJD), Ron Carter, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Israel Chamber Orchestra, The Bob Mintzer Big Band, The Paris Jazz Big Band, The Swiss Jazz Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band, The Seasons Guitar Quartet with Anthony Wilson, Julian Lage & Steve Cardenas, Esperanza Spalding, Joyce, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos, Dori Caymmi, Danilo Caymmi, João Donato, Johnny Alf, Chico César, Ed Motta, César Camargo Mariano, Elza Soares, Luciana Souza, Monarco, Mark Turner, Tom Scott, Joe Lovano, Terri Lyne Carrington, Eddie Gomez, Gary Novak, Lee Ritenour, Abraham Laboriel, Paulinho da Costa, Sammy Figueroa, Cachaíto Lopez (Buena Vista Social Club), Roberto Fonseca, Ari Hoenig, Claudio Roditi, Duduka da Fonseca, Peter Erskine, Giovani Hidalgo, amongst others.
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About Chico Pinheiro:
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“If you enjoy adventurous, creative and contemporary Brazilian music, Chico Pinheiro is the man taking it to the next level.”
- WDNA, Miami , USA
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“An astonishing guitarist whose technical skill and emotive feel for the instrument is above par for anything guitar-related I've experienced of late.”
- Global Village, Savannah, GA, USA
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“One of the brightest lights on today's Brazilian jazz scene"
- The BOSTON GLOBE, Boston, MA
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“Chico Pinheiro is a prodigy of guitar”
- Downbeat Magazine
Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Lionel Loueke, Stanley Jordan, Chico Pinheiro.
John Scofield, Pat Metheny & Chico.
Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Lionel Loueke, Stanley Jordan, Chico Pinheiro.