Airto Moreira
Homeless
M.E.L.T. 2000
For those that are
familiar with Airto's music during the last two decades, it is
widely known that this man has forged an unwavering communal
relationship with the land. After all, the essence of sound first
spawned from man's idealistic endeavors trying to seek greater
understanding of his surroundings. Yet, as the photos inside
the liner notes suggest, are we the listener to climb a mountain
or sleep in cavernous domiciles in hopes of capturing a glimpse
of Airto's music? Perhaps Airto suggests that we simply surrender
our naked bodies and earthly will to his music! Suddenly, we
realize that it goes beyond the music, embracing a journey of
rhythm and sound that could only be made possible by a master
musician. If there's one musician that represents a complete
portrait and embodiment of contemporary Brazilian music is Airto
Moreira. Thus, Moreira reveals his musical fire and art on his
latest CD titled "Homeless."
Moreira seems to pound on every percussion instrument known
to man and the kitchen sink throughout, starting with the first
track "Vira Poeira" (Burning To Dust). He is also heard
performing on wooden flutes and lead vocals. Moreira continues
to rattle the human senses with the next track "Come As
you Are" featuring percussionists Amèn Santos and
Pablo Silva. Joining Moreira are world renowned percussionists
Changuito and Giovanni Hidalgo on the next track "700 Years"
with vocals by Diana Booker a.k.a.. Decivel.
Some Afro-Cuban elements are prevalent on "After These Messages"
featuring some raw interaction by Moreira on drums and percussionists
Meia Norte and Changuito. It should be mentioned that layers
of electronic keyboard programming are maintained throughout
in most songs--but not so prevalent as to take away the hybrid
acoustical qualities of Moreira's music. He is then heard doing
some vocal improvisation on "Street Vendors."
Airto's musical experience continues moving forward with the
upbeat contemporary rumba feel tune titled "Wake Up Now"
with bassist Gary Brown and guitarist Jose Neto maintaining a
steady groove behind a mountain of percussion instruments and
vocals. Renowned diva vocalist Flora Purin lends her voice to
add background ambiance with hand clapping on the title track
"Homeless" as Moreira maintains the groove with some
bizarre sounding instruments--que chèvere! More percussion
interplay is heard on the fast moving "Saba 4 Sale"
with Pablo Silva providing an impressive driving rhythm on the
drums.
Moreira then incorporates some Pop and Funk elements sounding
like a hip-hop groove on "Ginga Sem Fronteira." Voice
inflections add to the full force of Moreira's massive percussive
machine on the final track "The Last One" where perhaps
the final battle of the drum warlords is waged between Moreira
and Silva. And judging by the fierce intensity of the players,
perhaps in the end no one is left standing.
This recording effectively bridges the traditional sounds
of Afro-Brazil with the musical theater of new millennium. However,
what is most impressive--a trademark of Moreira--is the collective
spontaneity that prevails throughout. As with all of Moreira's
past musical expressions, he maintains great passion and intensity
taking the listener through a divine experience of extraordinary
rhythmic dimensions of mammoth proportion.
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine
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