Almir Sater's main instrument is the viola caipira, a 10-string guitar most common in Brazilian folk music. Since turning from law school to music in the late '70s, he has become renowned across the country for his graceful playing, a style both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant. The songs thus tend to be simple, highlighting the instrument and his voice, but Sater has thrown his share of curveballs. One of his best albums, Rasta Bonito, even experiments with Nashville-style American country.