Ricardo Silveira/Luiz Avellar: Live

Ricardo Silveira, who played electric guitar on much of Ouro Negro, recorded a 2002 duo concert with pianist Luiz Avellar devoted largely to the music of Milton Nascimento. The resulting Live (Adventure) finds Silveira in good form on nylon-string guitar, riding solid tempos and crisp melodic figures with Avellar on pieces like “Maria, Maria” and the relatively jazzy “Nuvem Cigano.” Silveira goes it alone on the lilting and concise “Travessia”; Avellar reciprocates with the classically tinged “Saudade dos Avioes da Panair.” A change in mood follows, as percussionist Robertinho Silva joins the pair for the remaining five numbers, beginning with Nascimento’s famous “Vera Cruz.” They give “Fe Cega, Faca Amolada (Blind Faith, Sharp Knife)” a powerful, rock-influenced reading. Avellar lights up the minor-key 5/4 quasi-blues of “Saidas e Bandeiras” with quick, probing lines. The disc closes with nearly 12 minutes of expansive blowing on “Cor de Rosa,” which brings Don Grolnick’s “Pools” strongly to mind.

Originally Published December 1, 2004