Listen: Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini Preview ‘GUINGA’ with Lead Single “Lavagem de Conceição”

Photo credit: Tomas Faquini

Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini have announced their latest collaborative album, GUINGA, set to release on April 12. To preview this third shared project, Cressman and Faquini have dropped the album’s tracklist and lead single, “Lavagem de Conceição,” featuring the album’s namesake and inspiration Guinga.

GUINGA offers 14 songs from the trombone and classical guitar duo as a tribute to the foundational Brazilian guitarist and composer. Through their vocals, harmonic pairing and meticulous arrangements, Cressman and Faquini emphasize Guinga’s influence on their sound and that of innumerable peers. To explore and elucidate his style, the duo tap the honored songwriter for contributions to new music inspired by him, alongside re-imaginings of selections from his original catalog. 

Cressman and Faquini’s newly released single, “Lavagem de Conceição,” celebrates the life and work of Conceição Damasceno, the founder of the Brazilian arts center BrasArte in Berkeley, Calif. Together, the artists combine the baião rhythm from northern Brazil with the ceremonial spirit of lavagem, or “washing,” a common ritual of the Candomblé religion. Guinga’s partner, Anna Paes, and Cressman’s mother, Sandy Cressman, add backing vocals to the track, emphasizing the heritage of the styles that the duo explores. Experience the stirring connection here.

With their two previous albums, 2019’s Setting Rays of Summer and 2022’s Auburn Whisper, Cressman and Faquini took the first steps on a continuous exploration of their personal relationships to contemporary Brazilian music. Despite their unlikely instrumental pairing, the two artists have mastered a resonant, full-bodied sound that transforms their respective platforms into a common tongue, attesting to the influence of Brazilian sonic culture on the impressive repertoires they’ve cultivated.

In moments of reserved, contemplative simplicity, Cressman and Faquini are able to explore the space, pacing and mechanics that define the core of Guinga’s sound. “It’s healing and cathartic to play and to experience it as a listener,” the duo has shared. Situating the musical elements of Guinga within their own sound, they have cultivated a space to experience and communicate the intricate landscape of Guinga’s storied career.

GUINGA Tracklist:

1. Contradição (feat. Guinga)
2. Bolero de Satã
3. Lavagem de Conceição (feat. Guinga)
4. Aria de Opereta 
5. Delírio Carioca
6. Ramo de Delírios
7. Por Trás de Brás de Pina
8. Par Constante (feat. Guinga) 
9. Garoa e Maresia 
10. Segredo de Dadá
11. Nítido e Obscuro / Geraldo No Leme
12. Ellingtoniana (feat. Guinga) 
13. Viola Variada
14. Vô Alfredo