Ricardo Silveira Solo

Ricardo Silveira
Solo
Moondo Music LLC

This album is Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Silveira's first solo recording. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he started playing guitar at the age of 11; he was initially inspired by rock and blues acts, like the Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and BB King. He also started exploring jazz artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Joe Pass, George Benson, and Wes Montgomery. He developed chops jamming and began studying classical guitar and music theory to pursue music studies in college. Brazilian universities at that time offered courses in music. They didn't offer courses specifically designed for guitar, so Silveira signed up for a summer course at Berklee College.

The summer course at Berklee would change his life. After the summer course, he got a scholarship to continue studying at Berklee. In Boston, he met Bill Frisell, who recommended him for a salsa band. This began his professional career. Herbie Mann hired him after Claudio Roditi told Mann about Silveira. He quit Berklee and left for New York to play with Mann. He played and recorded with several greats in New York. After recording his first album as a leader in 1984, he moved to Southern California, where he recorded more albums and established himself on that scene.

Quarantined at home during the pandemic, he decided it was a good opportunity to record a solo album. Silveira included six of his original tunes, all of which he recorded on previous albums but re-
imagined here for solo guitar. He also interpreted songs by great Brazilian composers Marcos Valle & Paulo Sergio Valle, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Johnny Alf, along with a rendition of Rodgers & Hart's "My Romance." The Rogers & Hart number is the only one this listener is familiar with.

He plays unaccompanied electric guitar; The album opens with Silveira's "Rio Texas," a lovely slow composition that showcases his attention to detail, careful selection of notes and chords that linger in the air. "Preciso Aprender A Ser Só" is a gentle song from Marcos Valle & Paulo Sergio Valle that Silveira provides a delightful take on. "There is a folk-like quality to his charming original "That Day in Tahiti," with more appealing guitar. "Tango Carioca," has a funky bass line over which he spins a subtle but impressive improvisation. Even if the performances are generally at a slow tempo, one forgets this listening to the gorgeous rendition of Jobim's "Luiza," which brings out every bit of the romanticism of Jobim's song. The same can be said about his performance of "My Romance," where he embellishes the melody and lyrics of the standard. Then there is the haunting beauty of Johnny Alf's "Eu E Brisa," again where it seems he plays every note to bring out its full significance.

Listening to "Solo" is like being at an intimate house concert with a guitarist of the highest level who is concerned not about displaying his technique but rather displaying his ability to create an evening of melodic enchantment. All one needs is a glass of their favorite beverage while savoring this recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the July-August Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 397). Here is "Tango Carioca" from this album.