Swiss-Portuguese guitarist and composer Tiago Almeida releases his new EP, “Rivages,” today via Catalan label Segell Microscopi. This highly anticipated project, featuring guest guitarist Lorenzo Reggiani, promises an artistic exploration of the emotional landscape of fado, reimagined through the expressive voice of the classical guitar. With a background that blends two distinct cultures, Almeida has forged a unique musical identity that transcends genres, and “Rivages” is poised to be a significant addition to the contemporary classical guitar repertoire.
“Rivages” draws its roots from the rich traditions of fado, Portugal’s soulful music, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of the genre. Almeida’s arrangements are described as a “wonderful blend of tradition and innovation,” resulting in a sound that is both fresh and deeply resonant. His creative universe is a melting pot of influences, drawing from classical music, jazz, South American rhythms, and even the electronic soundscapes of artists like Aphex Twin, as well as the alternative rock of Radiohead. This eclectic mix enables Almeida to create a musical tapestry that is both intimate and universal, addressing themes of migration, cultural identity, and collective memory.
The album’s first single, “Prece,” offers a glimpse into the profound emotional depth of “Rivages.” Joined by Lorenzo Reggiani, this unique arrangement for two guitars of the classic fado song, “Prece,” delves into the heart of the emigrant and exile experience, evoking feelings of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring connection to one’s homeland. As praised by fellow musician Vojin Kocic, Almeida’s work on this project has resulted in “arrangements that are not only unique, original, and perfectly suitable for the instrument but are also quite important and valuable for the classical guitar repertoire.” With “Rivages,” Tiago Almeida invites listeners on a journey to explore the shores of memory, identity, and the shared human experience.
Live Performances
Alemida shared the following on Prece, which you can watch a live performance of below:
“‘Prece’ is a fado composed by Alain Oulman in 1990 on a poem by Pedro Homem de Mello. It’s a prayer that expresses a profound longing to return to the homeland, Portugal. It’s a longing for connection and belonging. It speaks of roots, identity, and the invisible threads that pull us home.
“Working on the arrangement of this piece made me also reflect on what ‘roots’ really mean to me and the importance of recognizing and embracing the complexity of the roots we carry. Not just where we come from, but everything that shapes who we are (inherited, chosen, lived). For those who have emigrated, who are children of immigrants like me, this can often be a challenge. We grow up between cultures, between languages and there is a profound strength in that in-between space. And it deserves to be seen, respected, and valued. These encounters of heritage are not contradictions, they are richness. And not only for those who live them, but also for the places and the cultures that welcome them. When we allow all of it to exist fully, I believe a bigger space opens up, for everyone.”
– Tiago Almeida
“Barco Negro”, composed by Caco Velho and Piratini, arranged for two guitars by Tiago Almeida. The song was originally titled “Mãe Preta” and later adapted by David Mourão-Ferreira for Amália Rodrigues under the name “Barco Negro”.
Rivages (October 16th, 2025) Segell Microscopi
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