"Although the cover says "Wayne Shorter featuring Milton Nascimento", this is really a "Milton Nascimento featuring Wayne Shorter" album. Not only because the main themes are authored by Milton, but also because of the presence of two of the musicians responsible for his sui generis sound in his 70's albums: Wagner Tiso and his remarkable harmonies, Robertinho Silva and his flamboyant drumming. The tracks "Ponta de Areia", "Tarde", and "Miracle of the fishes" are pure 70's Milton Nascimento. But, of course, choosing to market the album as Wayne Shorter's was the right thing to do to hit the charts in the US.
Having said that, the track "Lilia" goes in the opposite direction. Although it was also composed by Milton, this is quite different from the original version (which is also fantastic), heard on Milton and Lo Borges seminal album "Clube da Esquina". Think of it as "Weather Report does Milton Nascimento" - although the beautiful vocal melody is kept intact, the harmony is totally redone, giving the track a darker atmosphere, much like the Weather Report tracks we all love.
This was the album which caught my attention to Milton Nascimento. I've bought Clube da Esquina just afterwards, and I was so blown away that I immediately ordered all the albums he recorded in the seventies (definitely his best stuff). "Milton", "Clube da Esquina", "Milagre dos Peixes" (the album, both the studio and the live edition, which includes unreleased tracks), "Minas", "Geraes", and "Clube da Esquina II" are all must-buy records."
Five Star
Kurt E. Siegel | Phil, Pa | 02/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent! Lots of solo room for Mssrs.Shorter and Hancock. Extension of Weather Report although different. Godfather to Pat Metheny's subsequent efforts."
A Must Have!
Gene Bartholomew | Chicago | 04/10/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have a formidable jazz collection which contains all of the classic Wayne Shorter albums. This album gives birth to my new Milton Nascimento section."
Everybody should own this recording!
John C. Nicholas | Gettysburg, PA | 07/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When "Native Dancer" came out in the 70s I wore out several LP recordings of this album and bought copies for my friends. Wayne and Milton made excellent musical partners and are ably supported by Herbie Hancock, Wagner Tiso, Robertinho Silva, and Airto Moriera. Wonderful versions of Milton's songs, "Ponte de Areia","Tarde", "Milagre Dos Peixes", Wayne's "Beauty and the Beast" and "Ana Maria", and Herbie Hancock's "Joanna's Theme". One of the most delightful and beautiful recordings ever made. Thirty-five years later this is still a breath of fresh air and full of life."