Customer Reviews

Danca Das Cabecas

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're not familiar with Egberto Gismonti's music, I'd start with this one. Not that it's the most accessible one, but simply because this one will deeply touch you, most likely. It's my favorite one, among the 15-some CDs I got. When I heard this one in my early 20s, it totally changed my musical horizon, and opened doors. This music seems as pure and intuitive as it could be. It's pure emotion, while its musicality and complexity are beyond the reach of most of us fellow musicians. Gismonti and Vasconcelos are going beyond the bondaries of any classification. There is something of the native amazonian forest people in there, there is classical music too, probably due to Gismonti's classical piano training with Nadia Boulanger, and Villa-Lobos influence, there is lots of heart and emotions. I don't know many artists who have been able to reach such heights on both guitar and piano (Ralph Towner is probably the other one). I consider Nana Vasconcelos as the best percussionist of all times. Egberto and Nana are the most amazing duo. My 2 cents.

Egberto Gismonti is one of the most talented jazz musicians around. His flute-playing is pretty impressive on side one; his guitar work, also on side one, is simply staggering. But when you turned the LP over and heard his fantastic piano, you cannot help but be amazed. I know nothing about the technicalities of playing keyboards, but if someone had told me it was Keith Jarrett or Lyle Mays playing, I would have believed them.

This is one of those LPs that I bought when it first came out, back in 1977, and have re-purchased on CD. This is where it all started, ECM-wise, for Gismonti and Vansconcelos. As soon as you start playing the album, you feel like you've let the Amazonian jungle into your room. Vasconcelos can conjure up an entire rainforest with his percussive background effects. Gismonti spent a period in the Brazilian jungle working with Indian musicians in order to gather material for this album, and it shows ... wonderfully. I should add that Gismonti is a classically trained musician -- he had studied in Paris.

This album is quite unlike any other in my collection. It is definitely not from the Windham Hill or Narada stables. Difficult in parts, it's magical everywhere.

As you hear to this music, you will enjoy one of the most singular and beautiful musical experiences one can ever have. Egberto Gismontis' sincerity, and his sense of touch, rhythm and musical spirit goes far beyond any standard, and reaches a realm of freedom and beauty that truly enhances our cultural condition, remaining as "a thing of beauty", sublime and lasting forever. Alone or in the context of his whole work, this recording expresses one of the most original musical minds of this centuries (XX and XXI). So, take your time, make sure nothing will brake your listening, and do enjoy this musical rite as a true ascension to the heights of beauty.

I had the good fortune to see these two master musicians live in 1978 in Ames, Iowa, and this recording is as close to that amazing performance as I can get.

You won't be able to put a genre label on this music. You shouldn't even try. Yes, it is muito Brasiliano, but it draws on Gismonti's formal training and his immense talent for musical self expression as well as his love of his native culture. He is also a good as guitarist as you can find.

Don't confuse this music with that fluffy newage stuff. This is real,complex music, played with passion and virtuosity.

One of the most staggeringly beautiful recordings ever
made on this planet. Very, very deep. A classic ECM
masterpiece from the 70's. I first bought the lp when
I was in college and spent MANY afternoons and nights
in blissful relaxation listening to this haunting work
of art. Gismonti is not only an incredible guitarist
(the first half and final section prove that), but he
is an awesome pianist as well. His composition "Tango"
in the second half with him on solo piano is breathtaking.
You close your eyes and just dream. So very beautiful.
This is NOT new age George Winston. FAR from it. What
a fantastic artist and composer Gismonti is. Check this
out. It's a rewarding experience for serious open minds
and ears. A trillion stars.

Gismonti has been amazingly prolific in making many great albums from early 70's up to mid 90's.

Typically, his music is somewhat "rough" but very powerfull, emotive, rich, risky and bold during all the 70's. It is mostly acoustic work with many Gismonti's vocals too. It is a little difficult to access because of the complexity; but once you are in, it will stay with you forever. Most of this earlier work is under EMI or lately reissued under Gimsonti's CARMO labels.

The 80's are a transition period from pure acoustic to a mix between acoustic and electric instruments; Gismonti's vocals tend to disapear. Typically, the music becomes less provocative and more polite than earlier Gismonti's work. It is somewhat more civilized and more easy to access. Yet, the music remains highly sophisticated and creative; but with little less (good or bad?) surprise. Lots of these albums are under ECM label.

The 90's are a period where Gismonti's Group was founded. The music move towards more classical style: very polite, distinctive, fluid and elegant. Yet, there is still this amazing creativity, complexity and freshness of all Gismonti's works.
A few movie music albums are part of this period too (Kuarup, Amazonia). They tend to have more electronic effects but they stay into the elegant distinctive spirit of Gismonti's group latest compositions. Most of these albums are under ECM or CARMO labels.

About DANCA DAS CABECAS, it is a great album which retains all the provocative (but fantastic) style of 70's Gismonti, but with a more refined approach annoucing his work of the 80's. Gismonti's vocals are gone in this album (like most 80's albums); it is purely instrumental. This album keeps the full magic of earlier Gismonti's style: a paradoxal music that always stands in an unstable and unpredictable position between violent rage and fragil delicacy. This album takes a lot of inspiration from amazonian sounds; it is as mysterious as Amazonia forest can be. A true invitation to musical exploration. Highly recommended.
Please, check my other reviews of Gismonti's albums if you wish.

I've been listenimg this guy for so many years and never get tired of his music. This CD I like specially so much, mosto by the guitar played with fantastic expertise. it worth the tocket!