Manha de Carnaval. Guitar Music from Brazil.

Graham Anthony Devine, guitar.

Naxos DDD8.557295.

THE guitar has played a huge part in the musical traditions of Brazil, especially in the last 100 years or so.

Guitars were transportable, and the instrument of choice, as it is in Spain.

Some of the best-known composers of Brazilian music are guitar players.

When you think of carnival, the Bahia Blanca and dance, the Brazilian influence is paramount in the way we perceive these festivals.

Marco Pereira is probably the most influential of the modern Brazilian composers, with Antonio Carlos Jobim and a close second.

Others, Sergio Assad and his brother Odair, Raphael Rabello and Luis Bonfa are other 20th Century composers.

Today's best-known is Egberto Gismonti and he has produced a vast amount of music.

Heitor Villa-Lobos is another well-known Brazilian composer, but he mainly wrote for orchestra, although many pieces have been arranged for guitar as Sentimental Melody featured on this recording.

The soloist Graham Anthony Devine was born in England and began his musical education in Manchester.

In his teens, he moved to Brazil and became an established performer there.

Having won many international competitions, he is now establishing a growing reputation as one of the best young guitarists with an increasing schedule of masterclass and concert dates.

If you appreciate guitar music and enjoy the South American vibe, try this.

I hope you enjoy it.