Sanfona [Original recording reissued]

Academia de Dancas, Egberto Gismonti | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B00000DTEU
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,095 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seminal World Jazz Album, April 26, 2001

By 

Jan P. Dennis "Longboard jazzer" (Monument, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sanfona (Audio CD)

First off, "World Jazz" is a different animal than "World Beat." The former might also be called "Jazz Beat." The difference is that there is an authentic jazz sensibility and idiom at work in World Jazz, but not usually in World Beat. There is also such a thing as fake world jazz, which is an attempt to evoke and blend some kind of true world folk music and/or some real jazz esthetic but to miss on one or both. Examples of the latter are the efforts of Gil Goldstein and (sometimes) Al DiMeola.

Anyhow, SANFONA is the real deal on both counts--with genuine Brazilian folk grounding (Gismonte reportedly spent a couple of years in Brazil's rain forest absorbing the local music) and an authentic jazz voice and sensibility.

I cannot tell you how much I've enjoyed this artist and especially this album over the years. I believe it holds a similar relation to world jazz that the Byrds' SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO holds to country rock. Yes, I know Dizzy was doing his Afro/Cuban thing way back in the fifties, but Gismonte literally redefined and transformed World Jazz with this release (as well as with DANCA DAS CABECAS and SOL DO MEIO DIA). I think it's because he entered so deeply into the folk music of Brazil, and his years of study and emersion in the culture yielded such wonderful, exotic, yet accessible fruit as is found on this album.

For my money, "Maracatu," based on a Brazilian dance form (as are most of the tunes on the album), is one of the high points in the history of jazz, especially the bridge. The whole album is embued with a sensuousness and mystery, as well as a warmth and vitality, that is seldom found in jazz performed at such a high level. If you have even the slightest interest in world music, jazz, or Brazilian music, make sure you pick up on this glorious album.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Brazilian Jazz, December 10, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Porto Alegre, Brazil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sanfona (Audio CD)

I'm a brazilian, all right! But I had to buy the best Egberto Gismonti CD from the U.S.A., "Sanfona". The record was made in Oslo, Norway. This CD contains the essence of jazz, plus the essence of brazilian music. Nene, on drums shows one of his best performances (I'm a drummer, that's why I'm saying that). Listen to "10 anos", and you'll feel the jazz. Listen to "Lôro", and you'll fell in Brazil. If you love music without lyrics, you should get this album. And if you love acoustic guitars, you should pay special attention for the second CD of this album, "Sanfona Solo". His virtuosis is amazing, as in all instruments he play. So, if you wanna something that means Brazilian Jazz, pick this one.

Gustavo Moreira

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Recording from an Amazing Artist, April 8, 2002

By 

kamus (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sanfona (Audio CD)

This is a fantastic recording of Egberto's music. Ranging from abstract "free" jazz to hothouse Brazilian samba inspired rhythms to meditative guitar ruminations this CD is astounding for the level of playing and interplay from all the musicians, the quality of the compositions and freshness of concept. The quartet side in particular stands out. The four musicians play with white-hot intensity on Gismonti's challenging pieces with nary a cliche in sight. It's hard to know what aspect of EG to be most impressed with: his astounding guitar playing, his virtuostic and fresh approach to the piano or his unique and powerful compositions. This is one of my all time favorite Jazz (if you can call it that!) recordings and I urge you to get it.
Highest Recommendation!