For the second time in London, the legendary Brazilian guitarist, composer and vocalist Guinga returns to the intimate setting of Bull’s Head Jazz Club for a very special night of Brazilian music.

One of Brazil’s most extraordinary musical voices, Guinga is a Grammy-nominated artist whose unique language brings together the richness of Brazilian choro, samba and bossa nova with classical music and jazz. Celebrated by the legendary Hermeto Pascoal as a “once-in-a-century musician,” Guinga has developed a sound that is harmonically sophisticated, rhythmically intricate and yet deeply melodic and accessible.

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Guinga grew up surrounded by the great traditions of Brazilian music. Originally a self-taught guitarist, his musical world was shaped by masters including Pixinguinha, Jacob do Bandolim, Ary Barroso, Noel Rosa, Dorival Caymmi, Vinicius de Moraes, Baden Powell and Edu Lobo. His extraordinary compositions have since been recorded and performed by some of the most important names in Brazilian music, while his collaborations have included artists such as Sérgio Mendes, João Nogueira, Beth Carvalho, Clara Nunes and Alaíde Costa.

Since his 1991 debut album Simples e Absurdo, Guinga has built a remarkable international career and a devoted following among musicians and listeners alike. His 1999 album Suíte Leopoldina was acclaimed as one of the year’s finest Brazilian popular music recordings, while Graffiando Vento further established his reputation as a composer of exceptional originality. More than simply a virtuoso guitarist, Guinga is regarded as a true “musician’s musician” — an artist whose compositions reveal new details with every listen.

For this special London performance, Guinga will be joined by special guest Raquel Vega, the acclaimed Madrid-based chromatic harmonica player and pianist. Vega brings together jazz, soul and Brazilian music, with the chromatic harmonica at the centre of her distinctive musical voice. Trained at the Taller de Músicos de Madrid and in New York with musicians including Barry Harris, Chano Domínguez and Antonio Serrano, she has performed across Spain’s jazz clubs and festivals and was awarded second prize for Best Harmonica Player by Harmonica UK in 2021. Her repertoire and musical language have a particularly strong connection to Brazilian choro, including compositions by Pixinguinha and Guinga himself.

Please note we have an early evening show and a later evening show - make sure you attend the correct timing as we won't have any extra seating. Guinga will be on stage 9pm sharp