Artist: Egberto Gismonti Album: Trem Caipira

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An Honest Review of Egberto Gismonti's Trem Caipira

Brazilian Egberto Gismonti is an internationally-renowned jazz pianist, guitarist, and composer. Born in 1947, Gismonti has been playing music for over six decades, and his works have inspired and influenced musicians all over the world. In this blog post, I'll be reviewing his 1978 album, Trem Caipira, which introduced elements of traditional Brazilian folk music into his jazz compositions. I'll be discussing the history of the artist, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and my own criticism of the album.

Egberto Gismonti was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and began playing piano at just five years old. He went on to study classical music and composition, before discovering jazz and the guitar. Gismonti's unique musical style combines elements of bossa nova, samba, choro, and jazz, making him one of the most eclectic musicians in Brazil. Trem Caipira, released in 1978, demonstrates his commitment to exploring traditional Brazilian folk music, and the title itself means Country Train, an homage to his rural upbringing.

The genre of Trem Caipira is a fusion of Brazilian folk music and jazz, with Gismonti's skillful guitar playing and versatile use of other instruments such as the piano, flute, and berimbau. The album features both slow, melancholic ballads such as O Sonho and upbeat, lively tracks like Lundu and Pulo do Gato. One of the most fascinating aspects of the genre is the incorporation of Brazilian rhythms and melodies, making it a refreshing and distinct departure from traditional jazz.

Picking just a few standout tracks from Trem Caipira is a difficult task, as every song is a masterpiece in its own right. However, one can't help but appreciate the hauntingly beautiful acoustic guitar piece Palhaço. Another fan favorite is the lively Dança das cabeças which showcases Gismonti's skillful use of the berimbau, a traditional Brazilian musical instrument.

One of the most innovative parts of Trem Caipira is the way in which Gismonti seamlessly blends multiple genres and instruments. For example, Trenzinho Caipira features an eclectic mix of percussion, flute, and guitar, giving it an almost trance-like feel that grows more and more intense as the song progresses. In Lundu, Gismonti uses the vocalization of aaahs and oohs to create a hypnotic melody that will stay with you even after listening to the song just once.

In terms of criticism, there is very little to say about Trem Caipira, as it is truly a masterpiece of musical fusion. However, some might argue that the album could benefit from more diversity in terms of tempo and perhaps more experimentation with unexpected instrument combinations. Furthermore, although Trem Caipira introduced many Westerners to traditional Brazilian folk music, some Brazilian critics might argue that Gismonti's fusion of genres risks watering down these traditional styles.

In sum, Egberto Gismonti's Trem Caipira is an extraordinary album that continues to inspire jazz musicians all around the world. By blending traditional Brazilian folk music with jazz, Gismonti created a whole new genre, which still manages to sound fresh and innovative over four decades later. Trem Caipira is a must-listen for any lover of jazz or Brazilian music, and I can guarantee it will leave a lasting impression on you.