Flora Purim Sings Milton Nascimento

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Flora Purim's album from 2001, Perpetual Emotion, was her best since her '70s heyday. But who knew she was just warming up? If that record is reminiscent of her early '70s jazz output on Fantasy Records, this one has echoes of her more expansive Warner Bros. releases of later in that decade, specifically the '77 classic, Nothing Will Be as It Was. That disc featured three songs by the great Brazilian singer-songwriter Nascimento, the title track of which is reprised here with its Portuguese title, "Nada Sara Como Antes," although it is the only one of the 10 songs sung in English. Purim expands her musical vocabulary with two tracks obviously tilted towards the dance and electronica crowd. She hit the mark so well on the sultry "Nuvem Cigana" that there are probably remixes already floating on the streets of Rio and Paris. Nascimento fans will appreciate her original interpretation of songs he's known for, such as "Encontros e Despedidas" and "Cravo e Canela." Instrumentally, Widor Santiago's saxophone soars on two lush ballads, and Purim's old '70s partner, George Duke, takes a stirring nostalgic Moog synthesizer solo on "Nos Dois." --Mark Ruffin

Tracks:

Maria Tres Filhos
Encontros E Despedidas
Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser
Nuvem Cigana
Canto Latino
Nada Sera Como Antes, Amanha
Gira Girou
Nos Dios
Cravo E Canela
Cais

Amazon.com

Flora Purim's album from 2001, Perpetual Emotion, was her best since her '70s heyday. But who knew she was just warming up? If that record is reminiscent of her early '70s jazz output on Fantasy Records, this one has echoes of her more expansive Warner Bros. releases of later in that decade, specifically the '77 classic, Nothing Will Be as It Was. That disc featured three songs by the great Brazilian singer-songwriter Nascimento, the title track of which is reprised here with its Portuguese title, "Nada Sara Como Antes," although it is the only one of the 10 songs sung in English. Purim expands her musical vocabulary with two tracks obviously tilted towards the dance and electronica crowd. She hit the mark so well on the sultry "Nuvem Cigana" that there are probably remixes already floating on the streets of Rio and Paris. Nascimento fans will appreciate her original interpretation of songs he's known for, such as "Encontros e Despedidas" and "Cravo e Canela." Instrumentally, Widor Santiago's saxophone soars on two lush ballads, and Purim's old '70s partner, George Duke, takes a stirring nostalgic Moog synthesizer solo on "Nos Dois." --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

Not for Hi-End Enthusiasts.......2006-11-04

It is a great album by Flora Purim but recording quality is poor I have to say.
You will not like the sound quality if you listen this in a high-end system

She's still great after these years!.......2002-09-04

This CD has really grown on me; at first I found it a bit too pop-flavored, with several sax-laden tunes--almost like something you'd hear on a "light jazz" station (yuck). But good songs in any form (as well as artists) tend to rise to the occasion and this is no exception. My favorite songs are "Nuvem Cigana," "Nada Sera Como Antes, Amanha," (Nothing Will be as it Was...Reprised), "Nos Dois," and the happily energetic "Cravo E Canela."

As you might guess, all the songs are sung in Portuguese. I don't understand the language but I do love the sound of Flora's voice and the fine tunes carry them the rest of the way.

Long-time fans of Flora Purim are familiar with "Nothing Will Be as it was, Tomorrow"--the title of one of her best 70's recordings. A rearranged version is on this set. The new one took a bit getting used to but now I like it a lot. It's a bit mellower than the original; the muted horns on the chorus add a particular warmth and swing to this song.

Airto Moreira contributes a nice vocal on "Gira Girou." Their daughter, Diana Moreira Booker, also provides backing vocals throughout.

My favorite song is "Nos Dois" which begins with an achingly beautiful solo piano followed by Flora's melancholy voice singing about "The Two of Us."

If you're familiar with Flora Purim, you'll probably enjoy this new recording the same as the old. And if you don't know her, this is a good introduction to Brazilian flavored jazz and one of her greatest singers.

Sensuous Jazz ...........2002-09-03

I was set to buy another jazz album then I heard this playing and bought it instead. This album has it all - good playing, excellent recording quality, and the enticing seductiveness of Purim's voice. Put this on and have a glass of wine.

Excellent Recording.......2002-07-02

I have been listening to Flora Purim and Milton Nascimento since the mid 70's and this recording follows a long string of excellent recordings by this songbird. Sung in her native Portuguese, this recording captures a small sampling of Milton Nascimento's song book. The music is vibrant and dynamic while Flora's voice rises and falls to the rhythms of Brazil. Flora's voice has gotten better with time - like a fine wine. I still get goose bumps from some of the vocal sounds this woman makes. They don't make singers like this anymore, so I count Flora as a treasure. This is a great first sampling for new Purim fans and a treasure for her seasoned followers. Her Milestone recordings are classics and I only wish that Warner Brothers would get off the dime and release her WB recordings. A WB box set would be nice. Then my collection would be complete. Keep up the vibe Flora - In an oversold world of bubblegum vocalist - you are one of the few keepers of the flame. Peace.