Fabiano do Nascimento

Biography

Fabiano do Nascimento was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1983 into a deeply musical family, with his great-grandfather Ladário Teixeira being a blind virtuoso saxophonist who contributed to the development of the saxophone itself.[1][3] Initially trained in classical piano and music theory as a child, Fabiano's passion shifted to the guitar at age ten, which he pursued with intense devotion under the mentorship of his late uncle Lúcio Nascimento, a revered bassist, composer, and arranger.[1][3] He studied at the Conservatório de Música Brasileira in Rio de Janeiro and became largely self-taught through extensive research and practice, developing exceptional technical skill while remaining deeply rooted in Brazilian musical traditions.[3]

In 2001, Fabiano relocated to Los Angeles, where his distinctive artistry quickly gained recognition.[1][5] He first made waves as a founding member of the critically acclaimed Latin jazz group Triorganico alongside woodwind player Pablo Calogero and percussionist Tiki Pasillas, recording their debut album "Triorganico – Convivencia" under Stonesthrow and Now-Again Records.[3][5] Since then, he has established a prolific solo career spanning nine full-length albums released on prestigious labels including Now-Again Records, Far Out Recordings, Leaving Records, and Real World Records.[1] His music synthesizes the deep traditions of Brazilian jazz—particularly Afro-samba and choro—with adventurous, genre-fluid elements including American jazz, experimental electronica, and orchestral arrangements.[1][2]

Fabiano is recognized as a singular voice in contemporary music, performing on various multi-string guitars (6, 7, 8, and 10-string nylon instruments) and creating what has been termed "retro-futuristic Brazilian music."[2][4] His work has been celebrated by major media outlets, including an NPR Tiny Desk Concert feature.[1] As a seasoned live performer, he has toured extensively across North America and Asia, with a successful European debut tour in 2024 that included sold-out shows and a standout performance at London's ICA.[1] He is currently based in Los Angeles and Tokyo.[1][4]

Fun Facts

• Fabiano's great-grandfather, Ladário Teixeira, was a blind virtuoso saxophonist who contributed to reinventing the saxophone by adding more keys to the older Adolphe Sax version of the instrument.[3]
• Though initially trained in classical piano as a child, Fabiano's passion for the guitar was ignited at age ten, and he devoted himself entirely to mastering the instrument.[1][3]
• Fabiano performs on customized multi-string nylon guitars including 6, 7, 8, and 10-string instruments, showcasing his technical mastery across various configurations.[4]
• His 2024 European debut tour was highly successful, featuring multiple sold-out shows including a standout performance at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA).[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lúcio Nascimento - Late uncle who was a revered bassist, composer, and arranger; primary guitar mentor during Fabiano's early teenage years (Direct mentorship in composition and arrangement) [Early teenage years through development]
• Ladário Teixeira - Great-grandfather; blind virtuoso saxophonist who helped shape the saxophone's role in Brazilian music and influenced the family's musical heritage (Family musical lineage and tradition) [Ancestral influence]
• Baden Powell - Brazilian classical guitar tradition influence; Fabiano is described as a devotee of Powell's work (Brazilian classical guitar tradition) [Stylistic influence throughout career]

Key Collaborators

• Airto Moreira - Legendary Brazilian percussionist; frequent collaborator (Dança dos Tempos (featuring Airto Moreira)) [2015 onwards]
• Sam Gendel - Young saxophonist; frequent collaborator on multiple projects (SUL album, Dança dos Tempos, various recordings) [2010s onwards]
• Arthur Verocai - Renowned Brazilian artist; collaborator (Various collaborative projects) [Career]
• Itiberê Zwarg - Longtime collaborator of Hermeto Pascoal; worked with Fabiano on collective project (Rio Bonito (2022)) [2022]
• Vittor Santos - Collaborator on orchestral arrangement project (Lendas (2023)) [2023]
• Pablo Calogero - Woodwind player; co-founder of Triorganico (Triorganico – Convivencia) [2001 onwards]
• Tiki Pasillas - Percussionist; co-founder of Triorganico and frequent collaborator (Triorganico – Convivencia, Dança dos Tempos, multiple recordings) [2001 onwards]
• Aloe Blacc - Singer-songwriter; collaborator (Various collaborative projects) [Career]
• Mia Doi Todd - Singer-songwriter; collaborator on Brazilian album (Floresta) [2010s]
• Beirut - Indie band; collaborator (Various collaborative projects) [Career]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz