Saudades

"Saudades" is a captivating journey into the world of Brazilian jazz, masterfully crafted by the Afro-Brazilian percussionist Naná Vasconcelos. Released on ECM Records in January 1980, this album is a testament to Vasconcelos's innovative spirit and his ability to blend various musical influences from the 1960s to the 1980s, including jazz, psychedelia, and world music.

Recorded in March 1979, "Saudades" is the culmination of Vasconcelos's early work, reflecting his experiences living in New York and Europe. The album features five tracks, each offering a unique blend of rhythms and melodies that showcase Vasconcelos's virtuosity on the berimbau and other percussion instruments. The title track, "Vozes (Saudades)," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights Vasconcelos's vocal abilities, while "Ondas (Na Óhlos De Petronila)" and "Cego Aderaldo" are longer, more complex compositions that allow for extensive improvisation and exploration.

With a duration of 44 minutes, "Saudades" is a rich and immersive listening experience that transports the listener to the vibrant streets of Recife and Rio de Janeiro. Vasconcelos's playing is both delicate and powerful, creating a sound that is at once deeply rooted in Brazilian tradition and utterly contemporary. Whether you're a fan of jazz, world music, or simply great music, "Saudades" is an album that will captivate and inspire you.