Formed in 1994 as a vehicle to develop and perform Jovino's original compositions, combining traditional Brazilian rhythms with a contemporary harmonic language and a focus on improvisation based on the original themes. Since then, Jovino has written more than 100 pieces for the ensemble. In 2003 Jovino was awarded a CMA New Works: Creation and Presentation Award for Jazz Composition, and the commissioned music was recorded in "Canto do Rio," which was nominated for the 2004 Latin Grammys. Jovino's most recent releases, "Roda Carioca," was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2006.