At 38 years of age (22 as an artist)
Zélia Duncan went into the studio and recorded 20 tracks that she says have been a special source of inspiration to her during her career as a singer. Always a joy to listen to, with her severe, dark, and soulful voice,
Duncan is in great form on this album, which gained much praise from the critics. Dominating the repertoire are songs by classic Brazilian popular music composers such as
Ary Barroso,
Tom Jobim, Elthon Medeiros,
Cartola, and
Dorival Caymmi. The title of the album is taken from a line in the excellent opening track by the unconventional contemporary composer and artist
Itamar Assumpção, and there is also a track by another famous "mad genius" of Brazilian music,
Tom Zé. The musicians that joined
Duncan in the studio for these recordings are all excellent and definitely help lift this basically acoustic album, where
Duncan is backed chiefly by the sound of a bandolim, an acoustic guitar, and some light percussion. Several tracks are interpreted by
Duncan as sambas and choros, but there are also a couple of ballads and more jazzy songs.
Eu Me Transformo em Outras is a very fine album, worthy of all the praise it got when it was released. ~ Philip Jandovský