Saudade

Saudade is the debut album from Brazilian classical guitarist Plínio Fernandes. A love letter to the songs Fernandes grew up with in São Paulo, the album pays a nostalgic homage to his home country. Now London-based, there’s a real sense that absence has made the heart grow stronger. The classical tradition of Heitor Villa-Lobos is central to the record and Fernandes includes the famous Five Preludes. There are also instantly recognisable hits such as ‘The Girl from Ipanema’ and other popular songs from Brazil; all delivered with elegance and style. There are some excellent guest appearances on the album; brothers Sheku and Braimah Kanneh-Mason (cello and violin respectively) join for a track each. The silky vocals of Maria Rita make for a delightfully-intimate rendition of ‘O Mundo É Um Moinho’.

Ultimately, this is wonderful classical music with no real surprises. If you were hoping to hear new ground being broken, you might be disappointed. This is a strong debut from an extremely talented guitarist. The passion is evident and the technique is undeniable. It’d be great to see Fernandes go a little wilder, though. A worthy listen, especially for the purists.