Record Reviews

EGBERTO GISMONTI ~ SAUDACOES ECM 2082/83 (Barcode: 602517972803) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2009 This is a wonderful album by Brazilian multi-instrumentalist / guitarist / composer Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, one of the most important pioneers of Jazz-World Fusion and contemporary Classical artist. This 2CD release presents two different sides of his work: the first is a seven-piece suite for orchestra, performed by the all-woman Cuban chamber orchestra Camerata RomeuFind albums by this artist, led and conducted by Zenaida RomeuFind albums by this artist; the second is a series of acoustic guitar duets with his son Alexandre GismontiFind albums by this artist. Although very different form each other, both these discs are perfect examples of the infinite riches of music available out there, which only wait to be discovered. The chamber suite incorporates some Brazilian music elements, but is kept very much in the spirit of European Romantic tradition, with moody, melancholic melody lines gently flowing in and out of focus. The performance is absolutely stunning, both emotionally and technically. The guitar duets are of course much more immediate and energetic, performed with obvious virtuosity and total dedication to the music. Gismonti´s familiar tunes never sounded better. Overall this is an extraordinary musical journey, which serious music connoisseurs should be delighted with from start to finish. Highly recommended!

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