Chico Pinheiro/Anthony Wilson "Nova"

Goat Hill Recordings

By Ron Netsky on March 18, 2009

Guitarist Anthony Wilson (best known as a member of Diana Krall's band) has teamed up with the superb, young Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro to produce one of the most exuberant, engaging albums of the year. Pinheiro is featured primarily on acoustic guitar, while Wilson is plugged in; the musical dialogue between them is wonderful. Both are formidable composers, as evidenced by Pinheiro's catchy "Tempestade" and "Cuba" and Wilson's gorgeous ballad, "Laranjeiras." But they also explore outside compositions, like "When You Dream" by Wayne Shorter and the album's most irresistible tune, "Café Com Pão," by João Donato and Lysias Ênio. Arrangements can be as sparse as just the two guitars or as lush as a full band, with rhythm and horn sections and several background vocalists. There is even a guest appearance by legendary Brazilian singer Ivan Lins. But the album's charm lies primarily in the textures, tones, melodies, and fantastic interplay of the two guitarists.