Personnel:
Ramiro Pinheiro (g, vcl), Rodrigo Balduino (b), Gabriel Amargant (cl, as, ss, ts), Rita Payés (tb), Jaume Vilaseca (Fender Rhodes, p), João Donato (p, vcl), Nicolas Correa (d), Crá Rosa (perc, vcl), Mônica Salmaso, Ana Rossi, Anna Tréa, Edi Barcelo (vcl)
Reference: UBCD 317
Bar code: 8427328123174
Donateando is the new project by Brazilian musicians Ramiro Pinheiro and Rodrigo Balduino, conceived as a heartfelt tribute to João Donato—one of themost creative, free-spirited, and influential figures in Brazilian music.
Over more than seven decades, Donato navigated effortlessly between genres, countries, and generations, leaving a legacy defined by lightness, originality, and swing. Donato constantly reinvented himself—from his role in the birth of bossa nova alongside João Gilberto and Tom Jobim, to his key presence in the Latin jazz movement during his time in the U.S. in the 1960s. Back in Brazil, he embraced samba-funk, pop, and experimental sounds—always evolving, never losing his essence.
The repertoire of Donateando mirrors this musical diversity. The album revisits various stages of Donato’s career, blending iconic compositions with rare, lesser-known gems, offering a contemporary and affectionate look at his life's work. Recorded in Barcelona, the album features distinguished members of the city’s jazz scene, highlighting the international reach of Donato’s music—a sound that transcended borders and connected cultures.
One of the most special moments on the album is “Vento no Canavial,” featuring João Donato himself in one of his final recordings. Also appearing are acclaimed Brazilian singer Mônica Salmaso and Catalan trombonist Rita Payés.
More than a tribute, Donateando is a celebration—a vibrant and personal homage to the timeless genius of João Donato.
—Ramiro Pinheiro
