Carinhoso by Irini Arabatzi, Jonny Wickham

Following her debut EP in 2024, Irini Arabatzi has come together with friend and collaborator Jonny Wickham, bringing the year to a close with a gorgeous cover version of the classic Carinhoso.

Together the duo have produced a beautiful, paired back version. Played beautifully on bass guitar by Jonny, Irini's delicate, romantic vocal floats effortlessly through the timeless Brazilian ballad.

“To me Carinhoso is the sound of Saudade in its purest form. In the documentary: Meu Tempo é Hoje, Paulinho da Viola remarks,“[Carinhoso] was written in 1917 and traversed the century to such an extent that in any Brazilian bar if someone picks up a guitar and starts playing, everyone is able to sing along.” says Jonny.

“Paulinho da Violas version, with Marisa Monte’s stunning vocal, is the one that we both fell in love with. We wanted to take
“the song of the 20th century,” (Paulinhos own words) into the 21st, and soak in that feeling Paulinho describes the best.”

Wickham released his debut album Terra Boa in 2023 exploring his deep love of afro-brazilian rhythm. The album is an accomplished exploration of the complex roots and culture of popular Brazilian sounds through the lens of contemporary UK jazz. On the record he worked with scene lynchpins like Ben Brown (Waaju), Lyle Barton (Emma Jean Thackray, Nala Sinephro) Irini and many more.

Irini's own debut EP "Songs for Them" anchored itself more in heady and uplifting alternative pop, garnering attention from Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan and Stuart Maconie on BBC Radio 6 Music and leading to a run of packed shows around the UK.

Born in Thessaloniki, Greece, Irini is an accomplished pianist, singer and songwriter.

Her musical journey saw her perform with the brightest stars in Greece and record with the Scottish jazz new wave including Corto.Alto and Fergus McCreadie.

Completing her music masters in London in 2018 she is now part of a diverse and prolific musical community making jazz, folk, pop and beyond.