In 2015, the Brazilian Meretrio met Heinrich von Kalnein for the first time. The German saxophonist and flutist is one of the leading figures on the European jazz scene—not only as a renowned instrumentalist, but also as the long-time co-leader of the well-known JBBG (Jazz Bigband Graz) and as a professor for decades at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Europe’s first jazz university.

In 2016, Heinrich made his debut on two tracks of the Meretrio’s first album recorded in Europe, *Obvío*. The album received four stars from the U.S. magazine *DownBeat* and was included in its list of the best albums of the year.

In 2019, their first joint album, *Passagem*, was released, recorded at the famous Bauer Studios—the studio where many classics of jazz history were created. For this production, the quartet wrote mostly original compositions characterized by delicate rhythmic vitality and haunting melodies. One exception was Antonio Carlos Jobim’s Retrato em Branco e Preto, which the four musicians performed in a rendition that is absolutely on par with the famous version by singer Elis Regina.

In 2022, the quartet brought its music to Australia for the first time, performing at the country’s largest festivals—including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, and the Perth International Jazz Festival.

In 2023, the four musicians released their first live album, recorded during a club tour at “The Bird’s Eye” in Basel. Here, Emiliano Sampaio showcased himself for the first time not only as a world-class guitarist but also as a trombonist.

Angela Ballhorn wrote in the German magazine JAZZTHETIK, speaking for many: “…energetic, rousing, and inspired. Light Brazilian rhythms with seemingly effortless melodies and shimmering solo spots. A balanced mix, always full of surprises and particularly appealing in the lyrical passages.”