Gismonti delivers this impressive mixed set for his third ECM release. The first half features
Gismonti's Academia de Dancas quartet on a handful of originals, including the popular "Frevo." The band features
Zeca Assumpcao on bass, Mauro Denise on reeds,
Nene on percussion, and
Gismonti on both guitar and piano. For the second half,
Gismonti goes solo on acoustic guitar, Indian organ, and voice for a lovely program taped live in Munich. With fine notes and spoken bits by
Gismonti, listeners will find much in the way of Brazilian musical and cultural history to compliment the music. A perfect overview for the curious fan. ~ Stephen Cook