Brazil is known for producing an astonishing number of guitar virtuosi. Leading the next generation of wizards of the strings, Yamandu Costa is a unique improviser, composer and master of the 7-string guitar.
He started guitar lessons at age 7, and made his public debut at 17 in a Banco do Brasil Cultural Tour. Yamandu's reputation as one of the most gifted Brazilian guitarists expanded when he was featured in a documentary about Brazil's traditional choro music, Brasileirihno.
Yamandu's own compositions are a unique mix of styles from different regions of Brazil, plus choro and samba. His lightning-fast yet delicate technique has to be seen to be believed.
Yamandu's latest album Recanto has been nominated for a 2018 Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album, and his project called Quebranto with another exceptional 7-string guitarist, Alessandro Penezzi, just won the Prêmio da Musica Brasileira (Brazilian version of the Grammy) for Best Instrumental Album.
Yamandu Costa and long-time collaborator bassist Guto Wirtti will be in concert atKirkland Performance Center this Sunday, October 21. It will be an evening to remember.
Jazz Caliente airs Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. The show is hosted by Robin Lloyd and produced by KNKX Public Radio.