Geraes

I got the cassette that was bought in Brazil years ago, and it wore off after so much listening. Now it is YEARS that I am looking for the CD. I was so very happy to see it in the Amazon site but after a long wait, we were sent an email saying it was unavailable. Well, I have to say that more than half of the items in my wish list are unavailable now, and it makes no sense. This CD can result in goosebumps. The lighthearted cord instruments in the song Calix Bento stretch my emotional range like few songs do. The version of "Volver a los 17" (getting back to be 17 years old, so to speak) composed by the remarkable chilean author Violeta Parra, is sung with the most fragile sensibility by Milton and the argentinian singer Mercedes Sosa. Then Chico Buarque's "Oh que sera" is one of the most moving versions of the song, equaled only by the deep voice of brasilian singer Simone for the movie "Donha Flor". 5 stars? The whole sky...

I remembered Geraes as a more interesting album, but still appreciate hearing Milton again. May not be the most impressive intro to his work, though it's still worth having.

PERFECT

Along with Minas and the earlier Clube Da Esquina, Geraes represents the work of an amazing artist at the peak of his inspiration and full interpretive powers. This is South America at its artful best, a work of heart and deep intelligence, intellectually and emotionally.This is Milton's homage to his dearest land, his native Minas Geraes -which gave titles to this and its equally astonishing counterpart, MInas- and a return to his roots. In this album the great sweeping ballads (Lua Girou, and O Que Sera sung with its talented author Chico Buarque) stand side by side with more traditional rhythms (like Circo Maribondo and Calix Bento). And if this was not beautiful enough, it includes a gorgeous rendition of Violeta Parra's Volver A Los 17 along with Mercedes Sosa, another godly voice from South America.This is, as I said, an absolute gem, timeless, full of heart and exquisite nuances. Undoubtedly a work of maturity and joy, from a man who found his voice so early in his career, and who has been delighting us with proof of it ever since.

Milton Nascimento is a post-Bossa Nova composer who has set a personal music style so called the sound of Minas. Minas refer to the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, where Nascimento was raised. And the album title refers to the State of Minas Gerais.A group of extraordinary artists from Minas Gerais has helped Nascimento craft the sound of Minas like composer and master guitarrist Toninho Horta, maestro Wagner Tiso, composers Lo Borges and Beto Guedes and lyricists Fernando Brandt and Marcio Borges.Along with his composition career, Mr. Nascimento is also one of the most original crooners in Brazil with his famous falsetto resembling an impressive cry of deep sadness and despair.Specially for this album, Nascimento decided to choose a more open repertoire as to express his recognition of Latin America music influences. Specially his rendition of 'Volver a Los 17' is a beautiful chant with famous Argentinian songbird, Ms. Mercedes Sosa. Except for this track sung in Spanish, all album is sung in Portuguese.

This is a fantastic piece of music from the great Milton Nascimento!!!! Its among his best, and this says a lot, because this man is highly talented!!!! Really, even if you don't understand Portuguese lyrics, you gotta check Milton!!!! Great music for the masses of this planet!!!

I'm not a big Milton Nascimento fan, but this is definitely one of his best records -- it's great, as a matter of fact. This has distinctly Andean vibe to it, and indeed features a lovely duet with Chilean folksinger Violeta Parra, on her famous anthem, "Volver a los 17." Also, a nice track with Chico Buarque, for his song, "O Que Sera" -- one of many excellent collaborations they made around this time period. This is one of Nascimento's simplest and most focused albums -- recommended!

I take 5 star ratings very seriously, saving that distinction for only the very best handful of albums in music history. With that being said, I had to struggle not to give this album 5 stars. Milton's second best to the 1972 classic "Clube Da Esquina", this is a very focused and beautiful tribute to Geraes. You will not be disappointed. Peak Milton.