A two-time Grammy Award nominee (in 2019 and 2020), Chico has become one of the leading figures in contemporary Brazilian jazz.
Born in São Paulo, he began learning the guitar at age 6 and started working professionally as a session musician at 14. Chico has been repeatedly named a “Rising Star” on guitar in DownBeat magazine’s critics poll, and was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Latin Jazz Album” in 2020 and 2021 respectively, the latter for City of Dreams. Today, Pinheiro is considered one of the leading figures of the Brazilian music scene and beyond. He stands out as a guitarist, composer, and arranger. In addition to leading his own projects, he has collaborated with artists such as Placido Domingo, Kathleen Battle, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, Kenny Werner, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Danilo Pérez, Nnenna Freelon, Bob Mintzer, Herbie Hancock, Brian Blade (during International Jazz Day), Ron Carter, Chris Potter, John Patitucci, Renee Rosnes, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Bob Mintzer Big Band, Paris Jazz Big Band, Swiss Jazz Orchestra, The Danish Radio Big Band, The Seasons Guitar Quartet with Anthony Wilson, Julian Lage and Steve Cardenas, Esperanza Spalding, Joyce, Ivan Lins, Rosa Passos, Dori Caymmi, Danilo Caymmi, João Donato, Johnny Alf, Ed Motta, César Camargo Mariano, Elza Soares, Mark Turner, Tom Scott, Joe Lovano, Luciana Souza, Eddie Gomez, Lee Ritenour, Cachaíto Lopez (Buena Vista Social Club), Roberto Fonseca, Ari Hoenig, Claudio Roditi, Duduka da Fonseca, Peter Erskine, and others.
Chico Pinheiro’s style stands out for its remarkable improvisational fluidity, rich harmony, and characteristic Brazilian rhythmic feel. Many musicians consider him one of the most original guitarists of his generation, given his ability to blend technical virtuosity with emotional depth and lyricism.
One of the brightest lights on today’s Brazilian jazz scene
