Courage (Dig) [Original recording remastered]

Milton Nascimento | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 12, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Verve
• ASIN: B0009VKL18
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,755 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Japanese pressing of the Latin jazz act's 1968 album. A&M. 2004. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Milton's Best and Earliest Album in English (Remastered), August 8, 2005

By 

Juan Mobili (Valley Cottage, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Courage (Dig) (Audio CD)

This is Milton Nascimento's first album for A&M where he sung mostly in English. Recorded in mid-December of '68 and finished in late February of the following year, this set consists of new versions of songs he had already recorded in Brazil, in different albums, that hail from his most creative period compositionally speaking and when his voice at his peak.
Milton would go on to record in the States again and again over the years -there are rumors that there's even a reel in some vault holding songs with Crosby, Stills and Nash- yet this album as well as his collaboration with Wayne Shorter, in "Native Dancer," are by far the best of his output away from his native land and language.
In part, I believe, this is due to Eumir Deodato's great arrangements which, although they sport CTI's strings production style, fit well with these versions and serve, without dominating it, his soaring voice.
In addition to Deodato, the core band includes Airto Moreira's percussion and the great Herbie Hancock in piano, the former providing an authentic Brazilian flavor and Hancock contributing new colors for the original melodies.
If you love Milton, particularly from the mid-Sixties through Clube Da Esquina 2, this album is bound to move and satisfy you. Although there's no weak song here, in that context, the classics here are "Bridges," Morro Velho," "Outubro" and "Courage."
If you don't know Milton, perhaps this is not where you ought to start, "Geraes" or the first "Clube Da Esquina" are much more representative and stronger outings -the third great album is Minas although not first one I'd listen to if new to this man.
Still, although this album, a bit less than a classic and much more than an interesting "document," holds its own quite well, even now. Truer to the original strength of the artist than, let's say, Wes Montgomery's Pop albums when he, too, recorded for CTI.
The remastering also does its bit. The sound will not be unrecognizable for anyone familiar with the original, yet it contribute clarity to the whole, and enhances Milton's voice and guitar as well as Herbie's piano.
All in all worth buying -or buying again, as I did- without having to be a completist nor possessing an sound engineer's ear.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dreamy masterpiece, February 23, 2006

By 

Matthew Mcclellan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Courage (Dig) (Audio CD)

This is a beautiful album with inventive melodies, great arrangements, and great accents by the instrumentalists. What keeps me coming back is the dreamy texture of the album as a whole. It's due to the production, arrangements, and Nascimento's sensibility. This is my favorite album to fall asleep to. The edges are rounded and the moods are haunting in a good way. I don't speak Portuguese but I enjoy the lyrics in the two English songs. I put this album on par with the best albums of the 60's, including those by the Beatles or the Lovin' Spoonful. It stands up to endless repeat listens. Also check for Clube Da Esquina and I would also recommend Edu Lobo's self titled album. Many of the A&M albums of this era are fantastic including some that need to be reissued like Pete Jolly's Seasons.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lindo Maravilhoso!!!!!!!!!!, October 19, 2006

By 

S. Laudat "Brazilian by heart" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Courage (Dig) (Audio CD)

As I listened to this album for the first time tears came to my eyes.
Milton's music, lyrics & voice paints the colorful picture of Brasil I remember and know.
If you are really a lover of Brazilian music and of jazz this is a definite MUST HAVE!