Diego Figueiredo & Ababol Verdejo

      Diego Figueiredo was born in Franca, Brazil, in 1980, and at the age of 4, used to strike poses carrying a small guitar. At six, he started playing a mandolin, but played many instruments before choosing the guitar at the age of twelve. At 15, he began playing in theaters and nightclubs in different Brazilian states, playing solo or with musicians of Brazilian renown.

      He studied classical guitar, Brazilian popular music, and jazz in conservatories in Franca, Ribeirão Preto and Tatuí. In 1999, he won first place in a contest in South America , and was awarded a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music.

      Now 29 year of age, he has developed into quite a guitar talent winning several musical  competitions  that include the Montreux Jazz Competition and the VISA Prize. His musical repertoire spans classical jazz with numbers like “Take five”, “Stella By Starlight”, and “Round Midnight”, to Brazilian Bossa-nova and Classical. Each of his pieces is unique in its interpretation and is combined with excellent technique and considerable emotion. His music is a great way to kick back after a long week and relax. Hope you enjoy him.

Take five: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_3ZgxcnxMk&feature=related

Stella by starlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l1TiGYbCCk&feature=related

Round Midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ZRRLZyZbk&feature=related

At Montreux: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzD0xu9FV00&feature=related

Alma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct9Q21BhdwY&feature=related

River Quay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-56LO5bMkrI&feature=related

Folhas Secas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCnGlEaTKf8&feature=related

Sons of Carrilhoes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCnGlEaTKf8&feature=related

E o amor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh6p08Hm-2M&feature=related

Granada: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuko30JVgIQ&feature=related

Lamentos do morro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8Zd65Nv1U&feature=related

Corcovado: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MS1gEL9OIQ&feature=related

Carinhoso: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viNRtfcmsok&feature=related

I don’t have a Brazilian wine to accompany Diego, but keeping with the Spanish style of several of his compositions, I suggest a 2009 Ababol Verdejo Sobre Lias Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon. That’s a mouthful! The Ababol Verdejo is bit different and may not appeal to everyone. It’s golden yellow in color with an aroma of orange blossoms, lemon, and exotic spice. It’s a very dry wine, tasting almost bitter on entry, but it opens up revealing citrus and herbs with good acidity. It finishes with a slight honeyed sweetness. We’re in the midst of an Indian summer here in Nebraska, so this wine, the music of DiegoFigueiredo, a bowl of crackers, some brie cheese, and a rocking chair on my deck is all I need to unwind from the week. Hope you can find something similar. Have a great weekend. Enjoy!

Cheers!