Dança das cabeças (Portuguese: "Head Dance") is an album by Brazilian composer, guitarist and pianist Egberto Gismonti recorded in November 1976 and released on ECM the following year—his debut for the label. Naná Vasconcelos backs on percussion.[1]
A landmark of the careers of Gismonti and percussionist Naná Vasconcelos, his only accompanist here. Recorded in only three days, the album's concept is based on the history shared by both musicians, according to Gismonti: two boys wandering through a dense, humid forest, full of insects and animals, keeping a 180-feet distance from each other. The album received several international awards, in England, U.S., Germany, and Brazil. It also changed both artists' lives: Naná immediately became an undisputed international artist, touring worldwide; Egberto returned to Brazil, decided to research Amazon folklore, which would be reflected in his later work. The music is pure and sensitive, challenging and sophisticated, with a broad dynamic range going from haunting, mysterious melodies to full-impact, energetic percussive sounds reminiscent of Brazilian Indians' batuque.[2]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Egberto Gismonti, except as noted.