Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini – Guinga (GroundUp Music, 2024)
Extraordinary New York-based trombonist, singer, and composer Natalie Cressman shines as a versatile artist comfortable with multiple musical genres. Despite her young age, she demonstrates maturity as an instrumentalist. For sure, the 20-year-old artist continues to push musical boundaries, making lovely music and making new friends and collaborators along the way.
One of the artists that inspired Natalie is Brazilian icon Guinga. Carlos Althier de Souza Lemos Escobar, better known as Guinga, grew up in Rio de Janeiro. He absorbed a wide range of musical influences, from Brazilian contemporary and trad music to classical, rock, pop, and jazz. Over the years, Guinga has developed a distinctive style that embodies the energy and diversity of Brazil’s rich musical heritage while appealing to a global audience. His legacy is beautifully honored by Cressman and guitarist Ian Faquini in their album Guinga.
Trombone and classical guitar duos are rare in jazz, but Cressman and Faquini do it very effectively. But there is more. Cressman, who has long been inspired by Brazilian culture, frequently attended California Brazil Camp, where she met Faquini, a musical disciple of Guinga and a teacher at the camp.
Their collaboration reveals the dynamic potential of their unconventional instrumental pairing, perfectly suited to the intricate nature of Brazilian music. Cressman and Faquini’s work is characterized by rich tones, thoughtful harmonies, and skillfully designed arrangements. Guinga follows the pattern of their two previous albums, Setting Rays of Summer (2019) and Auburn Whisper (2022), which were elegant representations of música popular brasileira and its lyrical storytelling.
Guinga’s compositional style, often grounded in improvisation and melody, has been a significant influence on Cressman and Faquini’s creative partnership. Both artists have closely studied his methods. After exploring Brazilian music in their earlier work, the decision to focus on Guinga, a mentor, collaborator, and friend, was a natural progression in their partnership.
Unlike typical tribute albums, Guinga features the composer’s direct involvement. Guinga contributes as a composer, arranger, lyricist, and vocalist, lending his haunting voice to the project. The album’s 14 tracks flow effortlessly, offering a captivating glimpse into Guinga’s musical world, presented through the talents of Cressman and Faquini.
Musicians: Natalie Cressman trombone and vocals (track 3 & 10); Ian Faquini on guitar and vocals; and Guinga guitar and vocals; and Anna Paes & Sandy Cressman on vocals.
Buy Guinga.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
