Customer Reviews

Milton

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

Hats off to Verve by Request for picking this 1976 A&M album by Brazilian Singer-Composer Milton Nascimento for reissue. What an inspired choice. The versitile and expressive singer is in a perfect setting, with Herbie Hancock on piano and Wayne Shorter on sax. There is no language barrier when Milton sings, because the emotions conveyed are universal. But Verve did not stop at preserving and improving the sound. Nor did it just reproduce the original liner notes. The disc itself bears the A&M record label art from the mid-70s (gray with large brown lettering) and the catalog number "SP 4611." That's what I call going above and beyond the call of duty. This one's essential for all who love Brazilian jazz. And if you do, be sure to visit the Verve website and let your requests be known. Maybe they'll reissue JOURNEY TO DAWN and COURAGE in the near future.

For those of you who haven't heard Milton before, I recommend 1972's "Clube Da Esquina" as the first purchase. This album, geared for an American audience, is a wonderful introduction as well, though when compared to his purely Brazillian albums like Esquina, Geraes, Minas and Milagre...., it isn't quite as compelling. Milton seems to lose something when he sings in English instead of his native Portuguese. Still...recommended purchase nonetheless...

Hats off to Verve by Request for picking this 1976 A&M album by Brazilian Singer-Composer Milton Nascimento for reissue. What an inspired choice. The versitile and expressive singer is in a perfect setting, with Herbie Hancock on piano and Wayne Shorter on sax. There is no language barrier when Milton sings, because the emotions conveyed are universal. But Verve did not stop at preserving and improving the sound. Nor did it just reproduce the original liner notes. The disc itself bears the A&M record label art from the mid-70s (gray with large brown lettering) and the catalog number "SP 4611." That's what I call going above and beyond the call of duty. This one's essential for all who love Brazilian jazz. And if you do, be sure to visit the Verve website and let your requests be known. Maybe they'll reissue JOURNEY TO DAWN and COURAGE in the near future.

First thing :... this album's sole title is MILTON - being MINAS another album, and a better one than this.And why is that so?
Well, as a fellow brazilian has said, Milton and the english language don't really mix, he sounds uncomfortable ... therefore one (particularly himself)should stick to his work sung in portuguese, not only for the sake of the sound/performance themselves, but also for the sake of the poetry, the lyrics ! (some mathew moore completely ruined the song 'cadê' by adding some words about a 'lil fairy tale friend'...check out the original on MILAGRE DOS PEIXES - just a chant, but what a chant...)
One must realize that what we're dealing here with is not just plain music, but also with POETRY : Milton's partners (Fernando Brandt, Marcio Borges, Ronaldo Bastos and others) are all accomplished poets, in a sense i don't quite find in other types of music - no kidding, brazilian songwriting is hard to match...
AND THIS JUST CANNOT BE TRANSLATED - it becomes silly, at best something else, but never the original POETRY...

Two more things: there's a better mix of 'Raça' in Milton's MISSA DOS QUILOMBOS - it sounds even better!!! - and the aforementioned 'accomplished poet' Fernando Brandt spoils his own work by linking 'saídas e bandeiras - part I and II'(CLUBE DA ESQUINA)with some extremely disgraceful verses - no one's perfect...

This is one of Milton's best moments, nevertheless.

I cant believe this music was out of print for so long, it is a masterpiece -- a real jewel in the immense discography of one of Brasil's most beloved composers. This cd was originally release in 1976 and was A&M records 2nd attempt at finding Milton a US audience("COURAGE" was the first!) This set features a combination of old favorites re-recorded ,mostly from Milton's Clube da Esquina days ("Saidas e Bandeiras"."Nada Sera...", and a FIERY ALL OUT version of "Cravo e Canela", especially) "Francisco" is one of the most hauntingly beautiful melodies you will EVER hear, trust me on that! haha I always complain, too many English lyrics,(Nada Sera is sung "em Ingles" here), but that's my problem! Milton's English has a lovely lilt to it, so WHY COMPLAIN! NOTE: musicians on this cd are the TOPS from cream of US( Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter), & Brasil( Toninho Horta, Robertinho Silva, Airto, Novelli , Raul) & the fabulous Hugo Fattoruso from Argentina! ENJOY!