Guinga

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Also known as

Carlos Althier de Sousa Lemos Escobar

Years Active

1970s

Genres

MPB, choro, instrumental, samba, brazilian jazz

Instruments

acoustic guitar

Biography

Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1950, Carlos Althier de Sousa Lemos Escobar, professionally known as Guinga, is widely regarded as one of Brazil's most harmonically sophisticated composers and acoustic guitarists. Despite his immense musical talent, he balanced his artistic life with a career in dentistry, graduating in 1975. During his formative professional years, he served as a guitarist for legendary samba and MPB figures such as Cartola, Clara Nunes, and João Nogueira, which deeply influenced his compositional style rooted in the traditions of Rio de Janeiro's suburbs.

Guinga's reputation as a songwriter grew as his works were recorded by icons like Elis Regina and Cauby Peixoto. He is particularly celebrated for his long-standing creative partnerships with elite lyricists such as Aldir Blanc and Paulo César Pinheiro. His collaboration with singer Leila Pinheiro was especially fruitful, resulting in the acclaimed album 'Catavento e Girassol,' which consists entirely of his compositions. His work is noted for its complexity, often blurring the lines between popular song, choro, and classical music.

As a solo artist, Guinga has released numerous albums that have garnered critical acclaim and industry awards, including the Sharp Award for his 1996 instrumental masterpiece 'Cheio de Dedos.' His discography includes collaborations with diverse Brazilian acts ranging from the Quinteto Villa-Lobos to Mônica Salmaso. His life and intricate musical language were documented in the biography 'Guinga, os mais belos acordes do subúrbio,' cementing his status as a vital figure in the evolution of the Brazilian guitar.

Discography

• Guinga e Aldir Blanc – Simples e Absurdo (1991)
• Guinga e Convidados Vol. 1 (1992)
• Guinga e Convidados Vol. 2 (1992)
• Delírio Carioca (1993)
• Cheio de Dedos (1996)
• Suíte Leopoldina (1999)
• Cine Baronesa (2001)
• Guinga Instrumental, Vol. 1 (2001)
• Noturno Copacabana (2003)
• Gabriele Mirabassi, Guinga – Graffiando Vento (2004)
• Pierre Bensusan, Andrew York, Guinga, Brian Gore – International Guitar Night (2004)
• Casa de Villa (2007)
• Dialetto Carioca (2007)
• Guinga & Paulo Sérgio Santos – Saudade do Cordão (2009)
• Guinga + Quinteto Villa-Lobos – Rasgando Seda (2012)
• Francis Hime e Guinga – Francis e Guinga (2012)
• Viceversa (2013)
• Roendopinho (2014)
• Mar Afora (2015)
• Guinga, Esperanza Spalding, Maria João, Maria Pia de Vito, Mônica Salmaso – Porto da Madama (2015)
• Zé Renato, Jards Macalé, Guinga, Moacyr Luz – Dobrando a Carioca Ao Vivo (2016)
• Canção da Impermanência (2017)
• Stefania Tallini, Guinga – Intimidade (2017)
• Guinga + Quarteto Carlos Gomes – Avenida Atlântica (2017)
• Guinga Invites Gabriele Mirabassi – Passos e Assovio (2018)
• Vagner Cunha Convida Guinga – Depois Do Sonho (2018)
• Orquestra à Base de Sopro de Curitiba e Izabel Padovani / Canções de Guinga / Direção Sérgio Albach – Passarinhadeira - Ao Vivo (2018)
• Guinga Instrumental, Vol. 2 (2018)
• Dudu Sperb Recebe Guinga – Navegante (2019)
• Guinga, Mônica Salmaso, Teco Cardoso, Nailor Proveta – Japan Tour 2019 (2020)
• Zaboio (2021)
• Farinha do Mesmo Saco (2023)
• Julieta no Convés (2024)
• Par Constante (2024)
• CATONHO (2026)