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Ricardo Pinheiro: Dan?a do Pólen

By Mark Corroto
April 28, 2022
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The pandemic has dictated solo recordings for many artists, but for

Ricardo Pinheiro

guitar, electric
b.1977

" data-original-title="" title="">Ricardo Pinheiro, solo doesn't mean unaccompanied. He utilizes multi—tracking to great effect on Dan?a Do Pólen. The Portuguese guitarist's previous release Caruma (Inner Circle Music, 2020) was a trio session which he shared with two vocalists. Here he is solo, but never alone.

Pinheiro delivers ten economical tracks in this 35 minute release. Opening with the most gentle notes of "Ad Perpetuam," he adds a second track, then accompanies it with a third. Each layer carefully woven into a peaceful melody. The guitarist has plenty of technique, but uses it sparingly. He layers acoustic and electric guitars on the title track with a simplicity that might make you think of

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny, plus effects "Love Song" that evokes

Bill Frisell

guitar, electric
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Frisell without directly referencing either artist. There's a merging of folk, classical, and improvisation in Pinheiro's music. His touch is ever patient with "Resina" and gentle lovingly "Closure." The majority of the tracks sound as if he were performing for an audience of one. The exception being "O Mostrengo" which opens with gusting winds followed by jolts of guitar vibrations which cast a supernatural eeriness over the composition. Not to worry, Pinheiro has the storm and the calm all under his very capable control.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Ad Perpetuam; Love Song; Dan?a Do Pólen; September; O Mostrengo; Clarity (After the Storm); Resina; Little Piece; Uncertain Times; Closure.

Personnel

Ricardo Pinheiro

guitar, electric

Album information

Title: Dan?a do Pólen | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Inner Circle Music

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