For those unaware, when stars come together, an album like this is born.

João Luiz and Danilo Brito are both master musicians in their own rights, playing music at the highest level.

A virtuoso of the popular music of his native Brazil, guitarist Luiz began playing professionally during his childhood and was later trained in classical guitar by his mentor, Henrique Pinto. He is also an integral member of the New York creative community, as the director of chamber music at CUNY Hunter College.

Danilo Brito is a genius on the mandolin and an authority in Choro. He is also a celebrated composer and arranger. Choro has the same cultural parents as jazz and blues.

Here on their brand new album Esquina de São Paulo (releasing December 24th, 2021 via Zoho Music), European forms meld with African ideas to produce a family of fresh, new forms throughout the New World.

1. Gargalhada (5:38)
2. Esquina de São Paulo (5:11)
3. Feia (4:32)
4. Salsito no Choro (6:04)
5. Benzinho (3:30)
6. Primas e Bordões (4:52)
7. Despertar da Montanha (3:08)
8. Perigoso (3:45)
9. Chovia (5:18)

Marked by virtuosity, syncopation, counterpoints, and improvisation with an intense expression of feelings, from cheerful to melancholy, this brilliantly crafted and abundantly soulful album opens on the free-flowing majesties of the delightful Gargalhada and the delicate gossamer of the title track Esquina de São Paulo and continues forth with the intricate guitar play of both Feia and plucked Salsito no Choro.

On such a lovely album (in English, São Paulo Street Corner), one where you can hear their energy, magnetism and even their dutiful friendship, it continues onward with the upbeat and perky Benzinho and the layered excellence of Primas e Bordões, backing those up seamlessly with the ornate Despertar da Montanha, the abundantly joyful Perigoso, coming to a close on the structured elegance of Chovia.

João and Brito first met in 2004 at the Visa Music Award. Though it was a quick encounter, Brito’s was able to see the brilliance of João’s playing.

Brito continues, I realized that he had a sound of a classical guitarist, but was full of Brazilian swing of popular music.

Years later, in 2017, they performed together at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. The energy was so good that we went on a tour the next year, says Brito.

This new repertoire came from options Brito showed João that came from that first performance in NY, when he was a featured guest, and the duo’s tour the following year.

Brito had made some home recordings and sent them to João. Of course, João was duly impressed and rendered them afresh with his arrangements.

Kabir Sehgal, producer, is a Multi Grammy & Latin Grammy Award winner.

Amazon Purchase Link

www.danilobrito.com.br