Ricardo Pinheiro

with Chris Cheek, Jorge Rossy, Michael Formanek

Songs of Longing

Fresh Sound Records (2025)

"Songs of Longing presents original compositions by Ricardo and two standards. It eloquently speaks for itself (...) The four members of Pinheiro’s international quartet have great ears, underpinning each other’s story lines with emphatic and stimulating ideas, comprising an exceptionally organic outfit. To boot, the group sound is gorgeous. Mellow like the wind that blows through fields of sunflowers. Solid and warm like a brother’s embrace." - François van de Linde (Jazz Journal UK)

Ricardo Pinheiro

with Chris Cheek, Jorge Rossy, Michael Formanek

Tone Stories

Fresh Sound Records (2024)

"I’ve known Ricardo Pinheiro for many years through recording and performing together, as well as through the International organization, IASJ. I consider him a gifted guitarist and composer, so I was very anxious to check out his latest project.Beautiful, lyrical, swinging….all there as needed on this great recording. The musicians are committed with everyone 100% ready to hit. The result is wonderful. One can hear the men committed to every beat and nuance. The repertoire includes music from the American song book and some jazz standards, framed by interesting interplay and interpretations. Indeed, a true pleasure to listen to." - Dave Liebman

Mamute

Unmute

AsUR/Inner Circle Music (2023)

Unmute (2023) is the debut studio album by the Portuguese jazz collective MAMUTE, released through a joint international effort by AsUR and the renowned American label Inner Circle Music. Bringing together a stellar lineup of top-tier musicians from the Portuguese scene—César Cardoso, Ricardo Pinheiro, Óscar Graça, Miguel Amado, and Joel Silva—the record delivers a powerful, deeply sophisticated sound that honors the band's robust name. Across original tracks like "Eighteen" and "Epic People," the quintet navigates flawlessly between modern post-bop textures and European contemporary jazz. The album shines in its ability to balance intricate, demanding arrangements with open spaces for collective improvisation, where a driving rhythm section and compelling dialogues between horn and guitar create a rich, dense, and highly dynamic sonic landscape. 

Ricardo Pinheiro

Gestures

AsUR/Inner Circle Music (2022)

"Gestures" and "Momentum" are Ricardo Pinheiro's two latest recordings, featuring Chris Cheek, Mário Laginha, João Paulo Esteves da Silva, Demian Cabaud and Alexandre Frazão.

The two albums were recorded live at the S. Luiz theater (Lisbon) as part of the “Festa do Jazz” Festival, and include my original compositions, through which the band members improvise using various languages of contemporary jazz. 

These records show the confluence of different aesthetics and experiences that are revealed through spontaneous musical conversations between the musicians.

Ricardo Pinheiro

Momentum

AsUR/Inner Circle Music (2022)

"Gestures" and "Momentum" are Ricardo Pinheiro's two latest recordings, featuring Chris Cheek, Mário Laginha, João Paulo Esteves da Silva, Demian Cabaud and Alexandre Frazão.

The two albums were recorded live at the S. Luiz theater (Lisbon) as part of the “Festa do Jazz” Festival, and include my original compositions, through which the band members improvise using various languages of contemporary jazz. 

These records show the confluence of different aesthetics and experiences that are revealed through spontaneous musical conversations between the musicians.

Wallenstein, Cavalli, Pinheiro

Lisbon Sunrise

AsUR (2022)

Lisbon Sunrise (2022) is a collaborative Jazz and Poetry album released via AsUR Records, bringing together New York poet Barry Wallenstein, bassist Massimo Cavalli, and guitarist Ricardo Pinheiro. Serving as a conceptual continuation of the trio's previous artistic endeavors, the record focuses on the intimate interplay between spoken word and live instrumental improvisation, allowing Wallenstein's evocative poems to be framed by elegant string arrangements. Available on streaming platforms like Spotify, the project moves fluidly through subtle dialogues and rich acoustic textures—as heard in pieces like "Different Strokes"—where the electric guitar and double bass act as both a rhythmic backbone and expressive, conversational voices beneath the poetry.

Ricardo Pinheiro

Dança do Pólen

AsUR/Inner Circle Music (2021)

"Ricardo Pinheiro’s “Dança do Pólen” is a most impressive and ambitious work. It is abound with impeccable delivery and phrasing within a very colorful, yet challenging solo environment. Ricardo’s interpretations and explorations possess a vocal-like character that is very rarely experienced. This project absolutely raises the artistic bar and fully realizes the full potential of solo composition and performance" - Greg Osby (2021)

Ricardo Pinheiro, Massimo Cavalli, Eric Ineke

Turn Out The Stars: The Music of Bill Evans

Chalenge Records (2021)

Inspired by the music of the extraordinary pianist Bill Evans, the Pinheiro - Ineke - Cavalli Trio explores in this new album musical landscapes constructed from delicate arrangements and intricate musical interaction. In this vibrant recording, the trio reaches a new level of maturity and consolidated artistry that appears in the way the group develops musical discourse and improvisation. The guitar/bass/drums trio is here reinvented by the hand of these talented and experienced musicians.

Ricardo Pinheiro, Theo Bleckmann, Mônica Salmaso 

Caruma

AsUR/Inner Circle Music (2020)

"Ricardo Pinheiro is a very special guitarist who has crafted a most honest and original project with “Caruma.” His music evokes a humanistic quality that is full of emotional expression and spirit. He also offers the very wise inclusion and cooperation of Theo Bleckmann and Mônica Salmaso, who bring a heightened sense of wonder and possibility to their united sonic spectrum. Together, they have fashioned a stunning piece that will serve as a monumental example for many to appreciate and be touched by for generations to come." - Greg Osby (2020)

Ricardo Pinheiro, Miguel Amado

Lab

AsUR (2020)

Ricardo Pinheiro and Miguel Amado are two musicians with a trajectory of two decades in the forefront of Portuguese jazz, which includes dozens of recorded albums and participation in leading jazz festivals in Portugal and abroad. This co-led project released by AsUR Music, includes original compositions and the contribution of two impressive new generation musicians: Tomás Marques on saxophone and Diogo Alexandre on drums, winners of the Young Musicians 2019 Award in the Jazz category. The quartet's music is a result of the strong character of the compositions and the energy and deep interaction between the four musicians.

Gunther, Pinheiro, Cavalli

New West Quartet

East and West

Fresh Sound New Talent (2019)

"...an invigorating, absorbing and contemporary take on straightahead jazz" -- Brian Payne (Jazz Journal UK)

East & West (2019) is the debut studio album by the New West Quartet, a transatlantic jazz project bringing together American saxophonist John Gunther, Portuguese guitarist Ricardo Pinheiro, and Italian bassist Massimo Cavalli. Released under the renowned Fresh Sound New Talent label, the record is propelled by Bruno Pedroso’s deft drumming and features Dutch pianist Mike del Ferro as a special guest on multiple tracks. The tracklist balances six original compositions—evenly contributed by the three band leaders—with innovative rearrangements of legendary pieces by Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Throughout the album, Pinheiro’s distinct, softly amplified guitar tones and Cavalli’s driving bass lines create a unifying sonic texture, providing a fertile ground for Gunther’s expressive saxophone playing and delivering a sophisticated, highly conversational jazz dialogue.

Pinheiro, Ineke, Cavalli

Triplicity

Daybreak/Challenge Records (2018)

The Pinheiro-Ineke-Cavalli Trio departs from a musical relationship developed in the last five years by the historic Dutch drummer Eric Ineke, the Italian double-bass player Massimo Cavalli and Portuguese guitarist Ricardo Pinheiro. After their CD collaboration in quintet with the famous saxophonist David Liebman and pianist Mário Laginha in “Is Seeing Believing?” (DBCHR 75224), these three experienced musicians developed a studio trio conversation departing mainly from jazz standards arranged especially for this project. This trio has played several concerts in Portugal that resulted in the development a group sound that, coming from the jazz tradition, incorporates new and creative ways of approaching jazz repertoire. The international character of this trio brings a fresh, diverse and complying sound that will certainly please jazz afficionados.

Wallenstein, Moniz, Barrigas, Cavalli, Pinheiro

Lisbon Sunset

Sintoma Records (2018)

Lisbon Sunset (2018) is a collaborative Jazz and Poetry studio album that merges the spoken-word poetry of New York's Barry Wallenstein with the creative synergy of Portuguese artists Ricardo Pinheiro, Jorge Moniz, Luís Barrigas, and Italian bassist Massimo Cavalli. Released via Sintoma Records, the record acts as the foundational prelude to their later work, capturing an intimate, dusk-like atmosphere where literature and jazz seamlessly intertwine. The project excels in its subtle arrangements, using Pinheiro’s warm guitar tones and Cavalli’s grounded double bass lines to frame Wallenstein's evocative recitations. The album delivers a deeply compelling and cinematic listening experience.

Jorge Moniz, Ricardo Pinheiro

Radio Orchestra

Sintoma Records (2016) 

There’s an uneasy serenity that hangs over the duo collaboration between guitarist Ricardo Pinheiro and percussionist Jorge Moniz. It’s the kind of thing that provides an undercurrent of tension when the music stretches out for drone minimalism, and provides restraint when the duo’s free improvisations attain a hyperactive motion that threatens to shatter the abiding tranquility. The result is something of a middle ground between the album’s two states of existence, and this even temperance is what binds this fascinating music into a state of cohesion. Radio Orchestra is going to appeal to the ambient addicts who are looking for an album to play after Eno’s Music For Airports and it’s gonna appeal to the free jazz aficionados who need something quieter for the middle of the night, so the neighbors don’t complain -- Dave Sumner (The Bandcamp Daily)

Liebman, Ineke, Laginha, Cavalli, Pinheiro

Is Seeing Believing?

Daybreak/Challenge Records (2016)

The American saxophonist David Liebman is the most famous musician of this quintet. He was educated by Charles Lloyd and Lennie Tristano and studied at the University of New York. In the early 70s he played with trumpeter Miles Davis and from 1975 he created his own jazz way with, among others the great pianist Richard Beirach (...) the piano and guitar (two chord instruments) create a splendid harmonic landscape where both instruments meet each other with respect (...) ‘Is Seeing Believing?‘ is a wonderful jazz record – a splendid album for those who love the fine art of great jazz music! -- Mattie Poels (Music Frames)

Cavalli, Moniz, Pinheiro

Cinema & Dintorni

Fresh Sound Records (2015) 

Tristesse and nostalgia are evoked with accordion and often highly effected guitar in this set from Fresh Sounds new world-music imprint. Italy is closer to home than most places one associates with world music. Also, the music quite often sounds like something Bill Frisell might do (but maybe Americana is world music too). In any event, a romantic European mood is created as the trio work through a number of Italian film themes by Morricone, Rota and others. Theres plenty of very good jazz soloing more than one finds on many so-called world jazz records, and Amore Per Tutti becomes a swinging blues. Best tune: Morricones odd-metre Il Clan Dei Siciliani - marvellous. Europe is exotic all right -- Mark Gilbert (Jazz Journal)

Pinheiro, Amado, Pedroso

Triology

Sintoma Records (2014)

Guitar, bass, and drums trio is one of the most striking formations in jazz in recent decades. From the tradition of Wes Montgomery or Joe Pass, the aesthetics of this formation have been renewed to this day by names such as Jim Hall, John Scofield, Bill Frisell, Mike Stern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, among many others.

The "Triology" project, consisting of three musicians with extensive experience in the Portuguese music scene, emerges from this tradition, presenting a modern aesthetic to a repertoire that includes jazz standards as well as more popular songs by bands such as The Beatles and Soundgarden.

Ricardo Pinheiro

Song Form

Tone of a Pitch (2013)

A thrilling album with an expansive view. Guitarist Pinheiro mixes in modern jazz with electronic effects, sultry pop songs, avant-garde incursions, Latin influences, and sublime moments of tranquility. Utilizing different parts of a rotating cast of musicians, he finds a way to limit the scope of the album’s voicing in its totality, while also intimating that the possibilities are endless. With Pinheiro’s guitars and effects, he’s joined by Matt Renzi on reeds, Jon Irabagonon sax, Mario Laginha on piano, Joana Machado with some nifty vocal contributions, Demian Cabaud on double bass, Miguel Amado on electric bass, Alexandre Frazao and Vicky Marques on drums, with the latter adding Darbuka and Udu to the mix, and Pedro Pestana with the programming. An album that takes chances, and they pretty much pay off with big rewards throughout the entirety of the album. Pick of the Week.
 Favorite Track:“Heliotropic” -- Dave Sumner (eMusic.com)

Ricardo Pinheiro

with Chris Cheek, Mário Laginha, João Paulo, Demian Cabaud, Alexandre Frazão

Open Letter

Fresh Sound New Talent (2010)

Awaited debut album on Fresh Sound New Talent by talented Portuguese guitar player, Ricardo Pinheiro, a fine improviser combining a melting pot of influences to give rise to a very distinctive and deep sound that fits like a charm with the saxophones skills of the great Chris Cheek, a top-notch and always a guarantee of a terrific set. Made exclusively with the compositions and arrangements of Pinheiro, other musical confreres on this outing are pianists Mario Laginha and Joao Paulo Da Silva, bassist Demian Cabaud and drummer Alexandre Frazao, all have well established credentials as among the best of the local jazz scene. Without any doubt, this album should go a long way in set the guitarist the recognition they deserves.

Rogério Pitomba

Origem

Ed. Autor (2026)

Origem, the album by Brazilian drummer and composer Rogério Pitomba, is an instrumental jazz work featuring eight tracks that celebrate the cultural fusion between his roots in Northeast Brazil and his experience in the Lisbon music scene. Released on digital platforms, the record stands out for its fluid dialogue between contemporary jazz improvisation and the rich rhythms of Brazilian music. The instrumentation is built around Pitomba’s expressive and textured drumming, which serves as the foundation for sophisticated arrangements of horns, piano, and double bass. Throughout the original compositions, the musician creates a continuous and mature sonic narrative, solidifying his place as a relevant figure in the new wave of instrumental jazz in Portugal.

Desidério Lázaro

Oblivion

AsUR (2022)

Oblivion (2022) is the ninth studio album by Portuguese saxophonist and composer Desidério Lázaro, further cementing his role as one of the most prolific and distinctive voices in contemporary Portuguese jazz. Across eight original tracks, the record shapes an intimate and deeply reflective soundscape, relying on a tight-knit and unconventional trio framework featuring Lázaro's saxophone. Mostly instrumental, the project moves fluidly through rich textures and striking dynamic shifts, highlighted by compelling pieces like "Morning Hum" and "Rebound". Desidério Lázaro - saxes; Ricardo Pinheiro - guitars (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8); Mário Delgado - guitars (1, 3); Cícero Lee - bass; Carlos Miguel - drums

Desidério Lázaro

Homegrown

Ed. Autor/GDA (2019)

Homegrown (2019) is the sixth studio album by Portuguese saxophonist and composer Desidério Lázaro, marking a mature milestone in his discography by blending contemporary jazz with a distinctly electric and dynamic energy. Across twelve original compositions, the musician shapes a sonic narrative that moves freely between the syncopated rhythms of jazz, the direct attitude of rock, and the sophistication of classical music, always prioritizing strong and accessible melodies. Structured around a highly cohesive quartet format, the album relies on a solid foundation of instrumental trust and stands out for the prominent dialogue and presence of guitars played by João Firmino, André Santos, Pedro Moreira, and Ricardo Pinheiro, who masterfully shape the arrangements around Lázaro's expressive saxophone playing.

Participation in tracks "Consenting Adult" and "Hymn to the Risen".

Miguel Amado

The Long Rest

Sintoma Records (2016) 

The Long Rest (2016) is the fourth studio album by Portuguese bassist and composer Miguel Amado, showcasing a mature blend of contemporary jazz, fusion, and lyrical instrumental music. The album features eight original compositions that balance structured, complex arrangements with open spaces for collective and individual improvisation. Built upon Amado’s melodic double bass and electric bass lines, the record is brought to life by a stellar core quintet consisting of Ruben Alves on piano, Vicky Marques on drums, Desidério Lázaro on saxophone, and Ricardo Pinheiro on guitar. A defining characteristic of this project is its stylistic diversity, enhanced by a classical string quartet on select tracks and unexpected vocal collaborations. Notable guest performances include Portuguese singer and actress Lúcia Moniz on the track "New Song" and vocalist Paulo Ramos on "Bad Habits," adding soulful, pop-infused textures to an otherwise deeply rooted jazz record.)