Born from Brazil’s rich and diverse musical heritage, Fabiano Do Nascimento is one of the most prominent and celebrated contemporary Brazilian guitarists and composers. His intricate compositional approach and virtuosic playing style embody the delicate rhythms of bossa nova and the spirit of samba. And, with the improvisational chops of contemporary jazz, his artistry has won over the audiences and critics alike. Nascimento’s instrument mastery is palpable from his exquisite fingerpicking techniques and the enthralling symphony on strings. With each note, he crystalizes the core essence of Brazilian music. Rooted in authenticity and passion, his music has been deemed worthy of a fitting place in the jazz music scene.

Nascimento was born into a musical family in Rio de Janeiro. His family lineage can be traced back to his great-grandfather Ladario Teixeira. Saxophonist Ladario Teixeira is still revered among musicians, for his contribution to paving a new path for the instrument. 

Although Nascimento started his musical journey with classical piano, it didn’t take long to set his eyes on guitar and decide what his weapon of choice would be. Thus, by the age of 10, Nascimento had already begun his training on guitar under the guidance of his uncle Lucio Nascimento, who was a renowned Sao Paulo-based bassist and composer. His uncle was one of the biggest influences in shaping him as a capable guitarist and artist.

Fabiano left for Los Angeles, California in 2001. It took him a little while before making his arrival in the local music scene with his unique sound and skills. Audiences and other musicians quickly recognized the potential Nascimento had in him. In 2005, he formed the Latin jazz group, Triorganico with Pablo Calogero and Tiki Pasillas. He participated in numerous projects and collaborated with creative and talented artists from around the world, such as Airto Moreira, Arthur Verocai, Sam Gendel, Carioca Freitas, Aloe Blacc, Daniel Santiago, Vittor Santos, and many more.

“Seraphic, hypnotic, and transcendent” – these words give a succinct and accurate glimpse of Nascimento’s music. He is well known for his unique and unblemished compositions that fuse the traditions of Afro-samba and choro with American jazz, experimental, and electronica. He refuses to box himself in the confinement of a single genre and this stems from his desire for constant evolution as a guitarist. 

Nascimento always opted for music that was not super loud but subtle, harmonically interesting and peaceful. It is undeniable that his foundation is deeply rooted in Brazilian heritage. However, he has been consistent with his impeccable prowess in merging tradition with his own palette, which is free from the blurred notions of genre. 

Here, I present to you an unranked list of five albums by Fabiano Do Nascimento that you should check out if you haven’t already.

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Dança Dos Tempos is the debut album by Fabiano Do Nascimento. Among the debut albums from contemporary jazz musicians, this album deserves a special place, and rightfully so.  

This album’s greatest display of creativity and freshness comes from how it brings out the distilled essence of Brazilian music. This essence fits together with modern jazz with flawless intricacy in each of the songs.

With renowned percussionist Airto Moreira—for whom this is the first album after a 10-year hiatus—Nascimento has presented their folkloric jazz version of  ‘Forro Brasil’ by Hermeto Pascoal and ‘Toccata em Ritmo de Samba’ by the phenomenal Brazilian musician Radamés Gnattali with nine other tracks.

Fabiano Do Nascimento: acoustic guitar, vocals; Ricardo “Tiki” Pasillas: drums; Airto Moreira: percussion; Kana Shimanuki: vocals
Released March 17, 2015

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In 2024, Nascimento collaborated with Los Angeles-based saxophonist Sam Gendel. With their shared love of Brazilian legends such as Baden Powell and João Gilberto as well as an uncanny compatibility between their musical styles, these talented musicians scaled a brand new mountain of tone and texture in The Room.

The atmospheric seven-string guitar playing and the flute-like saxophone work in perfect tandem in every song on this record. Recorded in two days, The Room features a complex rhythm and enchanting melody in a minimalistic setting.

Fabiano do Nascimento: 7-string guitar; Sam Gendel: soprano saxophone
Released January 26, 2024

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Tempo Dos Mestres is the sophomore album from Nascimento. The title translates to ‘Time of the Masters.’ it was released on Now-Again, just like his first album.

Along with drummer and percussionist Ricardo Pasillas, and saxophonist Sam Gendel, this album also features vocalists Thalma de Freitas and Carla Hasset. However, vocal works don’t take centre stage, but blend in just as an instrument.

Nascimento, with his 7-strings, has captured the rich, Afro-Brazilian culture in this soothing, sublime, and transportive record.

Fabiano Nascimento: acoustic guitar, vocals; Sam Gendel: soprano saxophone; Carla Hassett, Thalma de Freitas: backing vocals; Ricardo “Tiki” Pasillas: drums, percussion
Released February 17, 2017

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Ykytu is Fabiano Do Nascimento’s first solo album. This album is another outstanding display of his virtuosic mastery of folkloric Brazilian music, bossa-nova, samba, and jazz. 

The album title means “wind” in Guarani,  an indigenous Brazilian language. It is a collection of Nascimento’s own compositions. In all twelve of the tracks, he overdubs a few colorful layers with his extended range guitars, subtle effects, and humming— in tracks such as ‘Planalto’ and the title track. In Nascimento’s own words, this makes his experimental and abstract compositions more calming, meditative, and easy to connect.

Fabiano Nascimento: 10 string guitar, 7 string guitar, 6 string guitar, soprano guitar, vocals, effects
Released August 30, 2021

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Lendas was released in 2023 as Nascimento’s second solo album and his fifth studio album. Following its preceding album Ykytu,  we have another record that focuses primarily on his original compositions, but with delicate orchestral arrangements that complement his own plaintive playing.

The orchestral arrangements are done by composer, arranger, and trombonist Vittor Santos. Also, there is a special participation by Tropicália fusion legend Brazilian arranger Arthur Verocai and his string quartet on “Solo As Onze (Noite Suite)”. 

Elegant melodies and appropriately complex rhythms are characteristic of Nascimento’s style. On the backdrop of emotive orchestral arrangements, his pensive guitar works draw out memories from places that no longer exist but can only be experienced through music. Tracks such as ‘Rio’, ‘Noite Suite’, and ‘Mae De Luz’ are bound to stir up something deep within the listeners.

Fabiano do Nascimento: guitar; Arthur Verocai: conductor; Daniel Garcia: flute; José Carlos Batista: bass clarinet; Emília Inova Valova, Hugo Pilger, Marcus Ribeiro: cello; Cristiano Alves: clarinet; Phillip Doyle: trumpet; Diego Silva, Ivan Zandonade, Samuel Passos: viola; André Cunha, Antonella Pareschi, Clóvis Pereira, Dhyan Toffolo, Ricardo Amado, Thiago Teixeira: violon; Rodrigo Villa: bass; Marcio Bahia: drums, percussion
Released January 20, 2023

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Final Words

Fabiano do Nascimento has fearlessly traversed the path of unifying Brazilian traditions, classical music, and contemporary jazz music. This splendid display of his bravery allowed him to develop an intimate connection with his music, his peers, and his audiences. This connection would remain unsevered in the stages of his career that are yet to come, and he would be hailed as one of the greatest musicians of Brazil.