Customer Reviews

Saudades

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

 

 

I have full respect for those who think that the only enjoyable pleasures are the love-at-first-sight ones. But I don't agree. When I bought this CD some years ago, the shop's host warned me that this was a great one but also a tough one.

Since then, each time I listen to it I discover new sounds and I improve my ability to be impressed again and again. These pieces are always a mystery but at the same time are so primarily human that you can't avoid finding links on the intellectual and physical levels.

The brilliant percussion leads you to a catharsis. The litany of the fantastic berimbau is overwhelming. The voice is tranformed into an instrument through emerging whispers and wild screaming. You can find a mix of the most rustic, almost tribal sounds blended with an academic chords section.

One advice: Listen to this music alone on a peaceful atmosphere. Otherwise you are wasting time.

I bought the original album on vinyl (still have it) back in the early 80s and was blown away by the total originality. I was already a big fan of Nana's with his work with Codona (also on ECM, don't miss checking them out) and, of course, Egberto Gismonti (also many recordings on ECM). I think Nana is the most unique percussionist I have ever heard. Still. I love listening to him in all the different settings he has performed in and with all the various musicians he has worked with. He always stands out and colors everything with sounds one has never heard before. This album remains one of the most original and provoking in my collection--I remain very fond of it and of the time frame I first heard it and of Nana. Very special. You will never hear anything else quite like this.

If it was released today it would still sound completley new and of its own world.

Classic .
This album changed my life .
Beatiful music !!