Milton Nascimento: Nascimento

While I have never been to Minas Gerias, my hunch is it must be an idyllic place. How else to explain the earthy yet supremely spiritual music that comes from natives of this region of Brazil? The foremost of these is Milton Nascimento. His voice, rich in range and emotion with a timbre deftly balancing deep resonance and soulful airiness, is purity personified. With Nascimento he demonstrates formidable facilities as a singer, composer and musical poet. As usual, Nascimento overdubs himself to craft layered harmonies that are as colorful as a forest of trees come autumn. The mood is mostly folksy. Words freely flow from Milton’s heart and soul to mouth with characteristic naturalness.

Nascimento sometimes goes for a thick sound. Here the music is spare with the exception of a couple cuts featuring orchestral strings. Special note ought be given to lithe lilting saxophonist Belo Horizonte. He’s been with Nascimento from the start and it shows. Like the leader here, Horizonte is capable of exuding enchantment, charm and yearning, all in one breath.

Originally Published September 1, 1997