Journey to Brazil and beyond with the music of gifted singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento. On Milton, the acoustic-based 1976 follow-up to Native Dancer, his collaboration with Wayne Shorter, the two are paired again, alon... more »g with Herbie Hancock on piano. Beginning with the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of "Raça" and ending on the dark jazz landscape of "Os Povos," we go on a vocal journey of words and wordless singing that showcases the incredible range of Nascimento's voice. For some, Nascimento's vocal style is an acquired taste, but not many can deny the beauty of his falsetto, the richness of his bass register, and all the colorings in between. It is this voice that transcends any language barrier and resists categorization. On the haunting "Chamada," where his vocalese is accompanied by a single guitar, Nascimento's music calls on a mysterious yet moving place in our musical understanding. --Jamie FitzGerald« less
Journey to Brazil and beyond with the music of gifted singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento. On Milton, the acoustic-based 1976 follow-up to Native Dancer, his collaboration with Wayne Shorter, the two are paired again, along with Herbie Hancock on piano. Beginning with the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of "Raça" and ending on the dark jazz landscape of "Os Povos," we go on a vocal journey of words and wordless singing that showcases the incredible range of Nascimento's voice. For some, Nascimento's vocal style is an acquired taste, but not many can deny the beauty of his falsetto, the richness of his bass register, and all the colorings in between. It is this voice that transcends any language barrier and resists categorization. On the haunting "Chamada," where his vocalese is accompanied by a single guitar, Nascimento's music calls on a mysterious yet moving place in our musical understanding. --Jamie FitzGerald
CD Reviews
AN ESSENTIAL, BEAUTIFUL RECORDING
Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 02/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Originally recorded and released in 1976, MILTON was the first US album by Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento, already a superstar in his native land - it gave American listeners a taste of his amazing talents. Milton had appeared shortly before this release on an album by jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, NATIVE DANCER. That album was a great recording in its own right, but this one is Milton's show all the way - and what an amazing display it is.Milton is joined here by Shorter, as well as other jazz luminaries of the day, most notably pianist Herbie Hancock. Also present are Raul de Souza (trombone), Hugo Fattoruso (organ), Toninho Horta (12-string and electric guitar), Novelli (bass), the amazing Airto Moreira (percussion), Roberto Silva (drums, percussion), Laudir de Oliveira (percussion) and Maria Fatima (vocals). The accompanying musicians appear in small groups on various tracks - the arrangements are beautifully written, never overcrowded, and frame Milton's compositions and voice perfectly.The songs are sung both in Portuguese and in English - and the words appear in the cd booklet it both languages (although the Portuguese lyrics are a bit hard to decipher, being presented in a reproduction of the original lp inner sleeve, printed in white against a black and white photograph. The rhythms and tempos vary greatly, bending themselves to the personalities of the compositions. The first two tracks, `Raça (Race)' and `Fairy tale song (Cadê)' are fairly up-tempo. These are followed by the achingly beautiful `Francisco', with wordless vocals rendered by Milton in his beautiful, seemingly effortless falsetto.Two more upbeat tracks follow - `Nothing will be as it was' (a great tune, also covered by Chick Corea and Return to Forever, as well as by Flora Purim on a solo album); and a Milton classic, `Cravo e canela (Clove and cinnamon)'. Next is `The call', Milton's representation of the chant of the naiad - the mermaid of the forests - and another wonderful example of his vocal abilities. `One coin (Tostão)' and `Saídas e bandeiras (Exits and flags)', two exceptional medium-tempo tunes follow, with the extended `Os povos (The people)' closing the set and providing a great example of Milton's social and political consciousness (Brazil at the time was ruled by a military dictatorship).Milton recorded several albums in Brazil previous to this release - and there are some wonderful recordings to be experienced in that group. One earlier recording is actually entitled MINAS - not to be confused with this album, it should be explored by the listener as well. The music here, on MILTON, is a genuine treasure - and it allowed American listeners to experience for the first time the amazing talent of Milton Nascimento. He has given us so much great music in the ensuing years - his catalogue is enormous - and he has come to be recognized as an artist of consistent (and lasting) quality and scope. There's a lot to explore in his music - this is a great place to start - it's as fresh and enjoyable today as it was 27 years ago, when it was first issued, and that's the mark of something special indeed."
Bravo Milton
A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 06/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am relieved that Milton has finally been released in the USA. I purchased a Japanese version of this CD five years ago and it is still in heavy rotation at my house. Milton teamed up with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock to make one of the most beautiful recordings in my 2500+ collection. If you really dig Milton - check out Wayne Shorter's Native Dancer. The three artist combine to create intoxicating melodies that are surrounded by vibrant rhythms and great solos. Milton's wordless vocals have yet to be duplicated by another artist. I also really dig the work he did with Flora Purim in the late 70's. This disc is definitely a treasure. Enjoy!"
The best of the best!
Phil Cava | San Jose, CA USA | 04/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Undoubtedly Milton Nascimento's best recording. Backed by many of his own Brazilian jazzmen as well as many members of the legendary Miles Davis's band, this albumn demonstrates the range and beauty of Milton's music. Fairy Tale Song and Nothing Shall Be As It Was are two of my favorite Milton tunes to this day. As noted by another reviewer, I did a taxi-war-dance in the record store when I found the cd release of this record some years ago. If you like this one, try Encontos E Despididas, it's been in my cd carosel for so long I don't know where the jewel case is..."
Hauntingly Beautiful Music
Rick Dobrydney | Milford, connecticut | 04/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every once in a while a recording comes along that you are sure will stay with you for the rest of your life. This is one such recording. Georgeous melodies, incredible rhythm section, standout soloists like Hancock and Shorter, and above it all the voice of Milton Nascimento. I cannot recommemnd anything more highly than this - it should be required listening for anyone who enjoys and appreciates good music. There are tracks here which grab you AND DO NOT LET GO. An absolute classic in every sense of the word."
YEEHAW!
Paul | Texas | 04/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm soaring! After 10 years of searching CD bargin bins, dark-damp music stores I have it in my hands and in my ears! It's been re-released! This was one of the first recordings after Weather Report/Airto Moreira that launched me into head over heels with Brazillian/American Fusion. And I've yet to touch ground! "Milton" has messmurising melodies and a voice that can smooth out the wrinkles in any day. I have two copies of this wonderful CD; one is for my grandchildren some day."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1