As great as a live concert can be
lz_lange | IA, USA | 06/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Oswaldo Montenegro is not as famous as some other Brazilian musicians, but going to his shows can be a great experience. And this is a live recording!Unlike others in the Brazilian musical stardom, Montenegro is completely open to the audience. Twice in his shows (once to "Seu Francisco"), I saw an artist who receives people at the door, stays for hours after the show to talk with the fans and LOVES the response to his music from the audience. He is the kind of guy who, after a show, goes to a local bar with his guitar, and gets everybody around him singing not just his own, but all the greatest songs of the Brazilian repertoire.His passion for people and music is so present here in this CD, it can be overwhelming (specially for someone missing being in Brasil, like me). It is a very personal tribute to one of the great symbols of the Brazilian music, CHICO BUARQUE, mixing the humor/irony - trademarks of Buarque's samba - with the poignancy of his protest songs against the military dictatorship of the 60/70's. Add to that Montenegro's own passionate voice, and what you get is a very stirring and involving performance.It is difficult to start this CD anywhere but in the beginning, and hard to click STOP as well. Most of the songs and instrumental interludes are chained together, and it makes just as much sense in the recording as it does live on stage. As for the limited instrumental resources - there are only two people on stage, playing guitars and mandolin - I doubt you'll feel the need for more. The arrangements are just perfect for that combination (Montenegro is no Paco de Lucia, but the mandolinist is first class! ), and the variety of colors they were able to produce is outstanding. Although a lot of Buarque's music rely on its lyrics, non-Portuguese speakers can still enjoy the greatness of his music through the voice of one of his greatest fans. I'd say buy it!"
