Bicho de 7 Cabeças, Vol. 1 / Bicho de 7 Cabecas, Vol. 1

Itamar Assumpção's Bicho de Sete Cabeças trilogy is his most impressive work and perhaps also the most beloved by his fans. The recordings were made together with the female singing group Orquídeas do Brasil and also the occasional "guest artist," as Ná Ozzetti and Jards Macalé. It is worth pointing out that there is some confusion about this set of three CD:s with 11 tracks each, released as Bicho de Sete Cabeças volumes one, two, and three, respectively. For some reason, the exact same set of songs has also been released in two volumes, with each containing 17 and 16 tracks respectively. In any case, the albums showcase Itamar Assumpção at his creative best, with his talent for unconventional poetry and unorthodox music in full bloom. The first third of the trilogy emphasizes rhythms and rhymes more than the melodies. The lyrics are subtle and sly observations on a big variety of topics, ranging from the city of São Paulo and economic inflation to loneliness and other emotions. The interaction between Itamar Assumpção's own, rather deep voice and the much lighter voices of the female choir floating over the almost ever present tinkling piano sound, creates an interesting atmosphere on this utterly enjoyable album. ~ Philip Jandovský, Rovi