Ramiro Pinheiro: Sentido

On his charming debut, Sentido, accomplished guitarist Ramiro Pinheiro demonstrates that he is also an exciting composer and songwriter. The Sāo Paulo native, now based in Barcelona, has crafted an effervescent batch of originals for this enchanting album which he interprets with his quartet and several guest musicians. The release is traditional Brazilian jazz delivered with a modern flair and reserved spontaneity.

The breezy "Quatro Ventos" opens with Pinheiro's sparkling strings over drummer Nicolás Correa's rustling beats and bassist Horacio Fumero's agile lines. Clarinetist Gabriel Amargant takes a brief and lyrical solo followed by a lighthearted duet with Pinheiro. The band returns to the main theme with effortless fluidity.

Another guitarist, Rodrigo Bezerra, joins Pinheiro on "Sabor de Madrugada," a song the pair co-wrote. Bezerra and Pinheiro elegantly frame vocalist Marina Robiero's sensual singing. The tune also features young trombonist Rita Payés, who contributes a lithe performance marked by her pillowy tone.

Another horn player, trumpeter Alvar Monfort, appears on "Pr'um Samba," one of the two covers on this record. Penned by multi- instrumentalist Egberto Gismonti, the music sashays with grace and mesmerizing lines. Monfort's clear, burnished sound complements vocalist Ana Rossi's emotive rendition. Pinheiro leads the rhythm trio with subtlety and understated passion, buoying Rossi and Monfort's respective turns in the spotlight.

The folksy "Baiao de Longe" features the flittering flute of Pablo Gimenez, the fourth member of Pinheiro's core ensemble. Gimenez embellishes the bittersweet melody with poise and dexterity. In addition accordionist Pedro Bastos, with his resonant phrases, contributes a uniquely intriguing dimension to this lovely piece.

The enjoyable, Sentido is a well-balanced amalgam of inventiveness and accessibility. Pinheiro pays homage to his roots through reinventing the traditional motifs without wandering far. Thus he has successfully created a work that is simultaneously conventional and refreshingly contemporary.