Nelson Angelo: Caterete

“Caterete,” the title cut of Nelson Angelo’s U.S. debut on the Adventure label, with its core of aboriginal-tinged sampled alien-ness and its danceable tease at the coda, signals further Brazilian musical explorations of unknown destinations in this recording. Cartographically speaking, Caterete is an evolving map of future musical boundaries rather than a clear guide towards any particular point of Brazil’s storied present and past. This proves true even when directly referencing lesser-known Brazilian dances such as frevo, maracatu and ciranda; which, inevitably, are reinterpreted with vestiges of mainstream Carioca music. Angelo’s lively imagination as a writer and his sonic skills as a producer are peerless nonetheless. In many ways, it is uma outra cosa musical-or another thing-as is “Trombone.” It features a flute and trombone quartet as a brassed front line for a percussion section with guitar, drums, bass and Angelo also on vocals. Edison Machado’s counterpointing on drums, during the meaty trombone solo portions of this jeweled performance, is a study in good inventive taste. “Dona Maria” and “Vera’s Frevo” have orchestral punch, while “Radio Universe Pedal” is experimental and freer on this likable release.

Originally Published April 1, 2004