Chico Pinheiro + Kzoo Jazz Project

An exceptional guitarist with a beautiful sound and great fluidity, a unique composer that blends Brazilian Music, Classical Music, and Jazz, Chico's been nominated twice for the American Grammy Awards (in 2019 & 2020)

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, he started playing the guitar when he was 6. At 14, he started working as a studio session guitarist and soon began to be called to collaborate with a wide range of artists in his hometown, then in Brazil, then abroad. In 2002 Chico put together a band of his own and started recording as a leader. His first album, 'Meia Noite Meio Dia' (Sony Music/ 2003), was released in 2003 with great reviews at all the most important newspapers and music magazines in Brazil and abroad and was included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' in the major newspapers of Brazil: 'O Estado de São Paulo,' 'A Folha de São Paulo' and 'O Globo.' This well-received debut included special guest vocalists Lenine, Ed Motta, Chico César, and Maria Rita.

His second release, 'Chico Pinheiro' (Biscoito Fino/ 2005), enjoyed great critical and audience acclaim, once more being included in the 'Top 10 Brazilian albums of the year' by newspapers' O Estado,' 'O Globo' and 'Folha de São Paulo.'
The third album, NOVA, was released in Dec/ 2007 in collaboration with the American guitarist and composer Anthony Wilson. It was, again, celebrated by critics and the audience.

Today Chico is considered a leading figure in and outside the Brazilian music scene, who has distinguished himself as a guitarist, composer, and arranger. Alongside with his main projects as leader, he also has collaborated with artists such as Placido Domingo, Kathleen Battle, Brad Mehldau, Dave Grusin, Kenny Werner, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, Danilo Pérez, Nnenna Freelon, Bob Mintzer, Herbie Hancock, amongst others.