Encontros (Meetings)

From Jazziz
Since bossa nova opened the door in the late 1950s for what's increasingly known today as "Brazilian jazz," bassists have been an important part of the instrumental mix, although they've typically been cast in supporting roles. Bossa purists will speak reverentially of such bassists as Tião Neto, Luiz Chavez, Bebeto, and Edson Lobo, but even though they labored long and skillfully, few if any of those notables established an identity as a soloist comparable to, say, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter, Stanley Clark, and a multitude of others in the jazz world.

Rio de Janeiro-born Nilson Matta is a notable exception. Co-founder - along with guitarist Romero Lubambo and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca - of the group Trio Da Paz, Matta has greatly expanded his stylistic point of reference since moving from Rio to New York City in 1985. In the company of his two Trio Da Paz compatriots, he shares the bill with harmonica and mallet master Hendrik Meurkens on Encontros (Encounters) (Malandro Records), an album that both expands the parameters of Brazilian jazz and the jazz credentials of the two leaders and their cohorts. Indeed, it's one of but a few Brazilian albums ever led by a bass player.

If Matta is ready to step out on his own, it's partly because of the enormously rewarding tenures he served in the groups of such renowned leaders as Joe Henderson, Paquito D'Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Herbie Mann, and Don Pullen. "Don, in particular, showed me how to play inside and outside without getting lost," Matta says of the late avant-garde pianist. Pullen's influence can be heard on the Hermeto Pascoal tune, "O Ovoí (The Egg)."

Matta's continued growth as an artist is evident throughout Encontros. He steps back into a supporting role on two tracks sung by Maucha Adnet and when Meurkens solos on marimba on the multi-instrumentalist's captivating composition "Prague in March." Elsewhere, he does what few Brazilian bassists before him have been allowed to do - create long-form improvisational statements.

One of the session's standout tracks, sure to command attention for its complex arrangement and strong improvisational element, is "Baden," a Matta original dedicated to the great bossa nova guitarist Baden Powell.

The arrangement of "Baden" is built around the interwoven theme of a Bach prelude, and features the leader's bass in an extended solo that ranges far outside the jazz-samba groove. Pianist Helio Alves, a revelation on this date, and co-leader Meurkens also stretch enthusiastically, responding to the song's ebullient mood. "Doing arrangements in a certain way, like on this song, is a kind of composition in and of itself," Matta explains. "You add colors on top of something already made. It's fun."

Also fun is working with a core of excellent Brazilian players who, although they now make New York City their home, still have their hearts in Rio. Drummer Da Fonseca, perhaps the best Brazilian trap drummer of his generation, plays with an uncommon mix of finesse and drive. Of pianist Alves, Matta says, "Since he arrived in New York in 1993, we've been good friends, and we played in Joe Henderson's band for three years - he's a marvelous soloist."

--Mark Holston, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Encontros (Meetings),Nilson Matta & Hendrik Meurkens,Malandro Records,Brazilian,Ethnic Fusion,Int'l & World Music,Jazz,Pop,World,World Music

Average customer rating:

Bons Encontros Marco Pereira & Cristovao Bastos Manufacturer: Milestone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music Brazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cry, My Guitar Afinidades O Samba da Minha Terra Original ASIN: B000000XU5 Release Date: 1993-12-22

Tracks:

1. Na Baixa Do Sapateiro
2. Aquarela Do Brasil
3. No Rancho Fundo
4. Feitico Da Vila
5. Trea Apitos
6. As Pastorinhas
7. E Luxo So/No Tabuleiro Da Bahiana
8. Feitio De Oracao
9. Conversa De Botequim
10. Folhas Mortas
11. Pra Que Mentir

Average customer rating:

Encontros (Meetings) Nilson Matta & Hendrik Meurkens Manufacturer: Malandro Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: New York Samba Jazz Quintet Amazon River In a Sentimental Mood New York Nights Quiet Moments ASIN: B00004U2Y2 Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

1. Summer In San Francisco
2. Baden
3. Amor Em Paz (Once I Loved)
4. Chorinho No.2
5. Rosa
6. Junity
7. Chega De Saudade (No More Blues)
8. Prague In March
9. Forests (Let Them Be Free)
10. This Is For Luisa
11. O Ovo (The Egg)

Average customer rating: humble and profound I Agree: Best Pop Album of the Last 20 Years Best Pop Album of the Past 20 Years Simply stunning - one of the 10 best CD's I've ever heard I was surprised by the beauty of this CD

Encontros e Despedidas Milton Nascimento Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Samba | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Latin Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sentinela Clube da Esquina Nascimento Travessia Clube da Esquina 2 ASIN: B0000046Z8 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Portal De Cor (Threshold Of Colours)
2. Caso De Amor (Love Affair)
3. Noites Do Sertao (Country Nights)
4. Mar Do Nosso Amor (Sea Of Our Lives)
5. Lagrima Do Sul (Southern Tear)
6. Raca (Race)
7. Pra Eu Parar De Me Doer (So I Can Stop Feeling Hurt)
8. Encontros E Despididas (Meetings And Farewells)
9. Quem Perguntou Por Mim (Who Asked For Me)
10. A Primeira Estrela (The Morning Star)
11. Vidro E Corte (Glass And Cut)
12. Radio Experiencia (Radio Experience)

Customer Reviews:

humble and profound.......2005-07-21

I bought this album in 1986. And over the years it still tops Nascimento's post-1980 productions, in my opinion. Excellent musicianship, conceptually deep yet accessible, and on top of that, splendid solos by jazz masters Hubert Laws and Pat Metheny in two separate songs. Particularly in this album, you can experience as close as possible in musical terms, what the word "saudade" really means in Portuguese through Milton's voice. At times a little too much reverb in the vocal segment, but that is a minor issue.

I Agree: Best Pop Album of the Last 20 Years.......2003-04-21

I completely agree with the other New York City music fan that thinks this is the best pop album of the last 20 years. I believe it stands alone. I'm sure I would think it is even greater if I could understand Portuguese. I also agree that the serious competition is Bob Marley's "Legend," but that that album is disqualified because it is a compilation that, better than any other album of which I'm aware, represents the achievement of a lifetime, however tragically short, and therefore cannot fairly be compared to a non-compilation album. (Otherwise, it is at least the equal of "Encontros e Despedidas".) For non-compilation albums of the last 20 years, the Neville Brothers "Yellow Moon" comes in a respectable but definite second.

Best Pop Album of the Past 20 Years.......2003-02-22

My choice for the best pop album of the past 20 years. The only album I think is close is Bob Marley's "Legend", but that's a posthumous "greatest hits" compilation, and thus doesn't count. It doesn't get much better than "Meetings and Farewells".

Simply stunning - one of the 10 best CD's I've ever heard.......2000-03-12

Every once in a while something comes out of the clear blue, bowls you over with its beauty and STAYS THERE for the next 20 years. There are very few CD's or records(in fact, less than 20)in my collection of 4,000 that I can put on and listen to straight through to the end, without any editing, deletions, etc. This is one of those rare birds. If you're falling in love - or just thinking about it - get this baby and it will restore your faith, amplify your experience, or provide a marker so powerful that you'll never forget. Even if you don't speak Portuguese, the lyrics and melodies are so evocative that you'll be surprised how accurate your guess as to their meaning was when you have a Brazilian friend translate them for you. And the rest of the world agrees: Milton Nascimento has been the top-selling musical artist world-wide for more than 14 years. There's a reason.

I was surprised by the beauty of this CD.......1999-08-09

I must confess I'm not a big Nascimento's fan! However, the immense power, and in contrast, the incredible smoothness of his voice have always impressed me. When I bought this CD as a gift for a friend I wasn't expecting so much! Then, when I had the opportunity to listen to it I got absolutely surprised. All songs bring a rare balance and unique music! A very consistent work where Nascimento uses all resources of his beautiful voice! The strength, beauty and gentleness combined in musics as "Noites do Sertao", "Lagrima do Sul" and "Vidro e Corte" are absolutely astonishing. And also, the whole CD has a very clear Brazilian soul. Typical, smooth, impressive. The lyrics are something else and is worth it to find some one who can translate them, in case you don't understand portuguese. I'm very pleased with the album and really recommend.

Average customer rating:

Encontros Fortuna Manufacturer: Mcd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000A9DO4 Release Date: 2003-12-22

Tracks:

1. Avina Malkeinu
2. Anjos
3. Greensleaves
4. Bartok Para Crian (Childern at Play)
5. Abertura
6. Bam Bam Tiribam
7. Tam Tam Tirarira
8. Nana Nanita
9. Laralai
10. Hava
11. Hine Ma Tov
12. Canticum Novum

Average customer rating:

Encontros Sertanejos, Vol. 9 Tibagi & Niltinho Manufacturer: Cid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00002ZZVX Release Date: 1999-10-05

Tracks:

1. Quem Diria
2. Neu Passado
3. Bendita Hora
4. Beijinho Doce
5. Magoa De Boiadeiro
6. Ninguem Pecou Por Ter Ama
7. Esquina Do Adeus
8. Escravo Do Teu Coracao
9. Esqueca Coracao
10. Duvido Que Voce Nao Chore
11. Como Eu Gosto De Voce
12. Ombro A Ombro

Album Details

Compilation Gathering Greatest Hits from Traditional Sertanejo Duo.

Average customer rating:

Encontros Sertanejos, Vol. 1 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000GA87 Release Date: 1993-05-13

Average customer rating:

Encontros de Violeiros Various Artists Manufacturer: Atracao ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00008O7YE Release Date: 2003-12-22

Average customer rating:

Encontros Sertanejos, Vol. 11 Ze Fortuna , and Pitangueira Manufacturer: Cid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00006J3NF Release Date: 2002-08-15

Average customer rating:

Encontros Sertanejos, Vol. 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000GA89 Release Date: 2002-08-15

Average customer rating:

Encontros Sertanejos, Vol. 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00000GA88 Release Date: 2002-08-15

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