Egberto Gismonti
Carmo
EMI-Odeon (Brazil) 1977
31C 064 422830D (LP) Original pressing. gatefold sleeve.
sleeve : EX(SRW)
media : EX-/EX-(some slightly noise caused by slightly hairlines.)
A masterpiece album released in 1977 by Brazilian genius Egberto Gismonti, created with the group Academia de Danças—featuring Robertinho Silva, Valdecir, Luiz Alves, Mauro Senise, Nenem, and Ubiratan—centered around his roots in the town of Carmo. The album title pays homage to his hometown of Carmo in Rio de Janeiro, which would later also become the name of Gismonti’s own record label. On A1, Gismonti’s lightning-fast piano races over a solid, rhythmically driven backing. On B3, bouncy percussion beats, sharp slap bass, and colorful vocals/choruses come together in an irresistibly vibrant groove. Throughout, the album fuses an exhilarating sense of groove with a deep, nostalgic saudade, reaching a progressive sonic realm that feels almost otherworldly. A uniquely imaginative world that only Gismonti could create—utterly beyond genre and unquestionably recommended.
A1: Baiao Malandro
B1: Raga
B3: Calypso