Customer Reviews

Courage

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

If you're an avid fan of Milton, like I am, this is a very special edition to own. It's a re-issue of an early recording I had lost, and was happy to replace.
It is unique because, even though it's not as earthy and authentic as most of Milton's records, the lush arrangements and impeccable sound quality that is CTI's stamp, is a gorgeous framework for this young man's voice. It's simply beautiful!
The Brazilian Sound: Samba, Bossa Nova, and the Popular Music of Brazil

This was my first encounter with his music and I was just simply mesmerize with the instrumentation and the soothing sounds of another world. Deodato help produce this wonderful project, I have been trying to find a copy for years and I cannot wait until itis available to purchase.