Search - Egberto Gismonti :: Rarum Xi (Dig)

A world unto itself...

Robert Bezimienny | Sydney, NSW Australia | 11/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Egberto Gismonti inspires some passionate admiration - have a look at the reviews of his discs on Amazon - his fans have had their lives changed, musically at least. My review comes from another perspective, however, as I chanced upon him through listening to Jan Garbarek's rarum compilation and bought this one on the strength of that single track.

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Firstly, for those, like me, unfamiliar with the man - he was born in 1947, in Brazil; studied piano (and flute and clarinet!) from the age of five, including a stint in Paris under Nadia Boulanger and twelve-tone composer Jean Barraque; taught himself guitar when 21, and developed a unique two handed technique, playing twelve string instruments, and is the paradigmatic virtuoso; aside from his classical training, he spent time in the jungle of Brazil listening to traditional folk music; he also has numerous collaborations with, and is influenced by, out and out jazz performers.

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This compilation features two tracks from Infancia, two from Sanfona, and single tracks from Sol Do Meio Dia, Duas Vozes, Danca dos Escravos, Meeting Point, and Solo - all the songs are composed by Gismonti, save for one arrangement of a traditional tune. He is heard on solo guitar twice, playing several instruments (overdubbed?)on one track, as a duo with percussionist Nana Vasconcelos, in quartet mode, and on piano accompanied by the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra. Talk about diversity!

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So how does this actually sound? Well, first up, I'd say the links to straight up jazz are tenuous. The feel is quite unlike a typical jazz quartet - the quartet here actually has two guitars, a cello and a double-bass; the foundations of this music are definitely not the blues. The guitar work, in part, is reminiscent of some by John Williams. Unsurprisingly, there are links to Astor Piazzola, but less than might be expected. I think the classical roots really show through in the overall control manifest over the music - there is a precision and exactness, a kind of genius of forethought, throughout. The emotions here are subtle, wide-ranging, but in a sense tamed. With the solo and duo tracks especially, there is much pure musical beauty. My favourite track is the last, the twenty minute Selva Amazonica - Pau Rolou, with Egberto on guitar, surdo, voice and cooking bells! From the litany of instruments you might expect this one to be hard to categorise, and you'd be right.

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Overall, I find myself listening to this rarum more when I'm in the mood for classical than jazz. Like classical compositions, this music is taking its time working upon my affections - similarly, it bears many repeated listenings, new insights and deeper enjoyment coming with each occasion. In many ways it might be best to emphasise that this music is unique. Don't hesitate to buy this.

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Finally, if anyone familiar with Egberto has sampled this rarum, I would be really keen to read your review. It would be interesting to know what aficianados think of his selection."