Fernando Caneca

Origin

Recife, PE

Years Active

1982

Genres

MPB, instrumental, jazz, choro, samba

Instruments

guitar, violão, viola

Biography

Fernando da Silva Caneca Júnior, known professionally as Fernando Caneca, is a highly respected Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger born on February 10, 1964, in Recife, Pernambuco. His musical journey began in his youth, first as an amateur musician in the Choro Ensemble of the Pernambuco Conservatory of Music in 1982. After moving to Rio de Janeiro, he continued his studies in harmony with Sérgio Mello Benevenuto, who became a significant mentor. Caneca's career has seen him collaborate with a vast array of prominent Brazilian artists, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and sought-after musician.

Throughout his career, Caneca has lent his talents to numerous recordings and live performances with artists such as Ivan Lins, Marisa Monte, Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Cesária Évora, Vanessa da Mata, Ivete Sangalo, Martinho da Vila, Zélia Duncan, Moraes Moreira, and Zeca Pagodinho, among many others. He was also a member of the band for the popular Brazilian TV show "Música Boa Ao Vivo" on the Multishow channel for four years. His instrumental work includes the formation of the trio Flenks, whose debut album in 1999 received five Latin Grammy nominations.

In addition to his performance career, Fernando Caneca has made significant contributions as a composer, arranger, and producer. His solo album, "Visitando Canhoto da Paraíba," released in 2005, features his arrangements of works by Chico Soares, also known as Canhoto da Paraíba. More recently, in March 2021, he released "Refazendo," an album where he reinterprets the iconic "Refazenda" by Gilberto Gil, featuring collaborations with artists like Lenine and Mart'nália. Caneca has also been involved in music education, having been part of the teaching staff at Rio Música.

Discography

• Visitando Canhoto da Paraíba (2004)
• Refazendo (2021)