For those unaware, Sony Music Brazil is thrilled to unveil a remarkable musical convergence of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz on Collab, personified by two of its greatest exponents: the renowned Afro-Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, named one of the great pianists of the 20th century (Piano & Keyboard Magazine) and known for his impeccable technique and rhythmic innovation, and the virtuoso Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda, whose skill and creativity has revolutionized the instrument and Brazilian music.Collab is a musical journey through varied soundscapes, with each track offering a new discovery rooted in their common African ancestry. Collab is out internationally now, and in the United States on July 19th, 2024.

1. Incompatibilidade e Gênios (João Bosco & Aldir Blanc)
2. Blues Lundvall (Gonzalo Rubalcaba)
3. Mandalagh (Hamilton de Holanda)
4. Yolanda Anas (Gonzalo Rubalcaba)
5. Flying Chicken (Hamilton de Holanda)
6. Silence (Charlie Haden)
7. Don’t You Worry `Bout A Thing (Stevie Wonder) – feat. Gabriel Grossi
8. Choro Fado (Hamilton de Holanda)
9. Incompatibilidade de gênios (João Bosco & Aldir Blanc) – feat. João Bosco
10. Transparence (Gonzalo Rubalcaba)
11. Saudade, Saudade (Maro & John Blanda)

This wondrously embracing new collection of captivating songs opens on the near eight-minute instrumental Incompatibilidade e Gênios and the sprightly original composition (one of three on the album), Blues Lundvall and then we are brought forth the playfully impish Mandalagh, the impassioned original, Yolanda Anas, and then we get the fervently sculpted Flying Chicken.

Along next is the delicately-hued Silence and the creatively-sewn melodies that make up Stevie Wonder’s Don’t You Worry `Bout A Thing (featuring harmonica player Gabriel Grossi), and that is in turn backed seamlessly by the cohesive Choro Fado, the scat-driven Incompatibilidade de gênios (featuring composer and singer João Bosco), the recording rounding out on the veritable gossamer of his last original, Transparence, closing on the gentle, almost at times cinematic Portuguese pop hipsway that drives Saudade, Saudade.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba, deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, brings with him a wealth of influences when approaching Afro-Cuban rhythms, from the pulsating energy of the batá drums (drums of African origin, from the Yoruba culture, used both in music and in Santeria) to the complex harmonies of contemporary jazz.

His piano interpretation is marked by captivating fluidity and enveloping emotional intensity, combining impeccable technique with a visceral expressiveness that resonates with listeners.

On the other hand, Hamilton de Holanda is a true master of the Brazilian mandolin, elevating this instrument to new heights of virtuosity and innovation, inspiring a new generation of instrumentalists. His music is saturated with the vibrant colors and rhythms of Brazil, infusing jazz with elements ranging from traditional choro to influences of samba and bossa nova, and beyond.

Hamilton is recognized for his extraordinary improvisational ability, as well as his capacity to extract a surprising range of sounds from his 10-string mandolin, thus creating a truly unique musical experience.