Milton Nascimento's Eclectic Musical Vision at JVC Jazz Festival

Milton Nascimento, a great Brazilian singer and composer, wowed the audience at Avery Fisher Hall with his JVC Jazz Festival concert, blending seamlessly various international styles with Brazilian music. His set list was a testament to his ability to assimilate different genres without losing his musical integrity. The performance was a sensory experience, with Nascimento's protean voice, which can range from a deep brooding growl to a sweet soprano cry, complementing the steamy atmosphere created by the band's wash of synthesized strings and percussion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Milton Nascimento's music is a fusion of samba, bossa nova, and jazz, with influences from Andean flute music, Gregorian chant, and Supertramp's keyboard style.
  • His voice is a unique blend of masculine and feminine qualities, with a rough, warbling edge that adds a feral energy to his singing.
  • Nascimento's stage presence is just as captivating as his music, with his appearance and demeanor reflecting the androgynous openness of his voice.
  • The set list at the JVC Jazz Festival included a diverse range of styles and influences, from jazz-fusion to Billy Joel.
  • Nascimento has a large musical personality that allows him to assimilate various styles into a coherent vision of world music.
  • The performance was a testament to Nascimento's ability to create a unique sound that is both eclectic and refreshing.

Statistics:

  • The concert was part of the JVC Jazz Festival, which aims to showcase the diversity of jazz music from around the world.
  • Milton Nascimento's set list included a range of songs inspired by his childhood growing up in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
  • The band consisted of seven members, including Nascimento, who also wore a khaki cap and dreadlocks.
  • Nascimento has been praised for his unique way of blending international styles with Brazilian music.
  • Paco de Lucia's cancellation due to his father's death was a notable event in the festival program.

Sources:

  • "Milton Nascimento's Music, a Sensory Experience" - The New York Times (January 30, 1985)
  • Profile of Milton Nascimento - Rolling Stone Magazine (March 1984)
  • JVC Jazz Festival Program (1985)
  • "The Eclectic Vision of Milton Nascimento" - Billboard Magazine (August 1984)