Chico Pinheiro and Vinicius Cantuária: Brazilian Guitar Dialogues

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Brazilian guitarist and composer Chico Pinheiro joins Backstage Bay Area to talk about his musical journey, his duo collaboration with Vinicius Cantuaria, and the stories behind his compositions "City of Dreams" and "Estrada Real" ahead of their upcoming West Coast shows.

A DownBeat Rising Star guitarist, Pinheiro reflects on his early start as a working musician in São Paulo, how Jimi Hendrix first pulled him to the guitar, and why fun has always been central to his artistic philosophy. He also explores the emotional geography behind "City of Dreams," written during his move from São Paulo to New York City, and the historical resonance of "Estrada Real," inspired by Brazil's colonial-era gold route.

Pinheiro also shares how his partnership with Cantuária grew from admiration into a deep musical simpático, and what audiences can expect from their intimate duo sets: original music, Brazilian classics, Jobim, and spontaneous interplay shaped by close listening.

Playlist

• Chico Pinheiro "City of Dreams" from City of Dreams (Fania Records) 00:00
• Chico Pinheiro "Estrada Real" from City of Dreams (Fania Records)

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