A soothing, transcendent tribute from Eddie Daniels to Brazilian super star, Milton Nascimento…
Eddie Daniels – To Milton With Love – Resonance Records # RCD-1041 – CD – 53:37 – ****1/2
(Eddie Daniels – clarinet, soprano sax, tenor sax, flute; Josh Nelson – piano;
Anthony Wilson – guitar; Kevin Axt – bass; Ray Brinker – drums; Lyris String
Quartet; Arrangements by Kuno Schmid & Josh Nelson)
For their third tribute to Brazilian composers (following releases honoring
Egberto Gismondi and Ivan Lins), CEO and co-president, George Klabin of
Resonance Records, has produced a sublime and deeply moving CD from
multi-instrumentalist, Eddie Daniels, reinterpreting Milton Nascimento’s 1969,
classic CTI album, Courage.
Nascimento, for over a half century, has been considered a national treasure in
Brazil. Possessing a multi- octave vocal range, and an “aura of a saint,” , Milton
helped put Brazilian rhythms on the map. His discography, with at least 32
studio albums, and an American admiration society of super stars including
Paul Simon, Santana, George Duke, and Quincy Jones; Milton at age 82, is
well deserving of tribute.
Daniels’ clarinet, flute, and saxophones are backed by top grade LA session
men, pianist, Josh Nelson; guitarist, Anthony Wilson; bassist, Kevin Axt; and
drummer, Ray Brinker. Making this release so special is the inclusion of the
Lyris String Quartet. The strings give an ethereal mix to the stunning beauty of
the arrangements, and the prowess of Eddie’s intoxicating playing.
We are in tumultuous times at the present time. Nascimento was known for
tackling social issues of his country, not bowing to pressure from military
government censors. He brought hope and joy to the poor of his country. This
new release, all instrumental, is well needed as a soothing respite from today’s
tensions.
Opening with “Travessia,” the string quartet and Eddie’s tenor sax, blend
sweetly, and elation reigns. Josh Nelson’s sparkling piano enters mid-tune,
before the chorus repeats. “Vera Cruz,” has shifting tempos, and the strings are
inquisitive, while Ray Brinker’s drums pulse.
“Tres Pontas,” is noted for solos from Nelson, Wilson, and Daniels. “Outubro,”
(October), is late night sensuous, thanks to Eddie’s tenor sax, and the strings
romantic accompaniment. “Courage,” the title track from Milton, has more
luscious strings, and the use of counterpoint with Daniels’ clarinet.
“Gira Girou” has Eddie on soprano sax, and this jazzy version has funky bluesy
overtone,s that stand out as different from the other tracks, with Anthony
Wilson’s guitar bringing to mind a late 60’s fusion feel.
“Morro Velho” brings us back to calmer territory led by Eddie on flute, while
“Catavento” takes us to Rio with flute and piano counterpoint. It’s lilting
melody will have you toe tapping, and head nodding in joy.
The closer, the new tribute to Nascimento, by Josh Nelson is a chamber jazz
duo from Nelson and Eddie, and gives both men a workout.
This CD is a labor of love to Brazil’s gift to the world. Highly recommended,
and kudos to George Klabin for wanting to revisit, in a new light, his “absolute
favorite recording of music.”
—Jeff Know
To Milton With Love
Tracklist:
Travessia, Vera Cruz, Tres Pontas, Outubro, Courage, Rio Vermelho, Gira
Girou, Morro Velho, Catavento, Cancao Do Sal, For Milton
