Argentina Hotels Travel - Milton

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.

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.