Gilberto Gil's first album after a few years exile in England – and a really explosive record that recalls the brilliance of his Tropicalia years! The record's an incredible blend of rootsy percussion, raspy guitar, and tripped-out production – all delivered with an instrumental sensibility that's even more sophisticated than before, and a lyrical interplay that's really amazing – extremely poetic at points, even if you can't understand the language! As with Gal Costa in the early 70s, Gilberto Gil manages to keep some of the best experimental elements of his music burning bright, even after the collapse of the Tropicalia movement – and as with some earlier Tropicalia gems, this album features some great work on bass and guitar from Lanny Gordin, not to mention drums and percussion from Tutty Moreno, who's better known for his later work with Joyce. Tracks include "Back In Bahia", "Expresso 2222", "Oriente", "Chiclete Com Banana", "Pipoca Moderna", and "O Sonho Acabou". (Great fold-out artwork inside the jewel case – replicating the design of the original LP!) ~ Dusty Groove
A really lovely performance from Olivia and Francis Hime – and one of the most intimate we've ever heard from the pair, too! Olivia sings with just piano accompaniment from Francis – in a way that still has all the majesty of the latter's full arrangements, yet which comes across in this subtle, spare way that's mighty nice – especially when Francis joins Olivia a bit on vocals, too! The format really allows a strong showcase of the maturing talents of both artists – the kind of masterful performance we might have heard from MPB legends a few decades back – on titles that include "Canta Maria", "Minas Geraes", "Saudade De Amar", "Versos Soltos No Mar", "Cancao De Pedroca", "Eu Nao Existo Sem Voce", "Trocando Em Miudos", and "Risque". DVD features bonus tracks and "making of" material too! (There is no indication, but we are assuming this is an All Region DVD.) ~ Dusty Groove
A sweet live performance from Joao Nogueira – originally done for the Ensaio TV program in Brazil – with all the up-close qualities that always make that show so great! The set's actually a bit more electric than other Ensaio sets – a surprising change, given the sometimes rootsy feel of Nogueira's music – yet the group is small, and the performance definitely has a nice spontaneous feel – almost off the tracks at times, which brings even more urgency to Joao's vocals than usual. Titles include "Espelho", "Um Ser De Luz", "Mineira", "Boteco Do Arlindo", "Clube Do Samba", and "Minha Missao". ~ Dusty Groove