Ariane Rodrigues leads debut album Transversa

Brazilian flutist Ariane Rodrigues releases Transversa on March 20: eight tracks blending improvisation, jazz, and Brazilian rhythms.

Flutist, composer, and educator Ariane Rodrigues steps into the spotlight as a bandleader with Transversa, her debut album as a composer and project leader. Out on all digital platforms on March 20, the record brings together eight instrumental tracks — seven original compositions and one reinterpretation — weaving together improvisation, jazz, and the rhythmic breadth of Brazilian instrumental music.

A quartet built for texture

The album features Ariane Rodrigues (flute and pífano), Fábio Leal (guitar), Ricardo Zoyo (bass and synthesizer), and Everton Barba (drums). Percussionist Ari Colares appears as a special guest on the final track, broadening the album’s rhythmic palette. Together, the group navigates contemporary textures while keeping deep roots in the Brazilian instrumental tradition.

On Transversa, the flute does far more than carry the melody. It leads, challenges, and converses with the quartet’s collective improvisation. That dynamic voice sets the album apart in a scene where the instrument often plays a supporting role.

From funk grooves to Hermeto Pascoal

The repertoire spans a wide emotional range. “Funk Transverso” opens with propulsive groove energy, while “Vento a Favor” flows with melodic ease. Tracks like “Hermínia”, “Que a Chuva Traz”, and “Saiu Voando e Virou Luz” explore lyricism and timbral discovery. The album also includes a reinterpretation of “Montreux” by Hermeto Pascoal, one of the towering figures of Brazilian instrumental music.

A career spanning generations

A graduate of the Conservatório de Tatuí, Ariane began her musical journey between classical repertoire and popular music before deepening her focus on MPB, jazz, and Brazilian instrumental culture. Over the years, she has performed and recorded alongside artists including Inezita Barroso, Alaíde Costa, Ayrton Montarroyos, and Jaques Morelenbaum.

For 16 years, Ariane also taught at the GURI music education program, shaping new generations of musicians. She currently performs with the Banda de Pífanos de Caruaru and the Brazú Quintê, two ensembles whose sonic worlds feed directly into Transversa.

Track listing

Funk Transverso — Ariane Rodrigues

Vento a Favor — Ariane Rodrigues

Montreux — Hermeto Pascoal

Hermínia — Ariane Rodrigues

Sono Bom — Ariane Rodrigues

Saiu Voando e Virou Luz — Ariane Rodrigues

Que a Chuva Traz — Ariane Rodrigues

Saidêra — Ariane Rodrigues

Info

Release date: March 20

Pre-save: http://tratore.ffm.to/b5j2zoq

Photo: Divulgação