Rio de Janeiro guitarist and composer Fabiano do Nascimento returns with his new album Cavejaz—a project sparked by a conversation with Minas Gerais singer Jennifer Souza, who encouraged him to record with Paulo Santos, a member of the legendary Brazilian group UAKTI. Known for crafting their own instruments from recycled materials, UAKTI’s minimalist approach shaped the album’s direction.
Recording began in August 2024 at Studio Ilha do Corvo in Belo Horizonte, with producer Leo Marques, during one of Brazil’s worst wildfire seasons. Forced indoors and limited in time, the sessions were largely improvised: “Leo would just hit record, and we would just play,” writes Fabiano.
The second half of Cavejaz was captured in Japan, with tabla player U-zhaan, including a live performance in a traditional theater in Tokyo, and solo sessions at SALO studio in Oiso. One track was also recorded live in Los Angeles with longtime collaborator Ricardo “Tiki” Pasillas.
Despite the different settings, the album feels unified—built on minimalist instrumentation, guitar, and handmade percussion. Cavejaz, a title suggested by Sam Gendel, evokes music born in a cave, flowing with organic textures.
Fabiano’s style blends Brazilian heritage with experimental sounds—bridging Afro-Samba, choro, jazz, and electronica into something deeply personal and quietly expansive.
