Brazilian pop artist tests the American ears

By Nikki Streegan

The self-titled album Gil and Milton featuring Brazilian recording artists Gilberto Gil and Milton Nacimento, allows any world music fan to appreciate the smoothness of the Portuguese language. The album is a mix of danceable Brazilian pop and Latin jazz, yet also manages to fuse African and Caribbean sound. The two Brazilian artists collaborate for the first time on this album after attaining reputable musical careers on their own. Knowledge of the Portuguese language may elude some listeners; however, the romance of some tracks and playfulness of others is fairly easy to detect. This is a versatile CD. For great guitar and jazz vocals turn to track 5, "Trovoada." If you're looking for something to move to, try track 15, "Baiao da Garoa." The duo has even covered George Harrison's "Something," if it's classic pop music that you crave. My recommendation if you choose to make the purchase: buy a Portuguese-English dictionary and read up on the evolution of music in Brazil (and look into the sound of Brazilian jazz, it's so darn good). It will surely help you appreciate this album. B+