Encontros e Despedidas

by Richard S. GinellBy the mid-'80s, PolyGram decided that the time had come for Milton Nascimento to become a big North American star -- indeed, he had not even performed in America at all until 1985 -- so they took his then-current release from its Brazilian affiliate and gave it a full-court press. The vehicle is a fairly uneven record for Nascimento, one heavily decorated by Wagner Tiso's digital synthesizers, loaded with Nascimento's exhortations for brotherhood and happiness yet not that well-stocked with memorable tunes.Nascimento takes on apartheid on "Lagrima Do Sul" with the help of Uakti's collection of exotic marimbas, and in one guilelessly autobiographical song, "Quem Perguntou Por Mim" ("Who Asked for Me"), he even acknowledges his role as Brazil's voice to the world. The moody instrumental "Vidro e Corte" finds Pat Metheny -- a longtime admirer of Nascimento -- taking the lead, but "Raca," with Steve Slagle's lightweight alto up front, is clearly aimed at American fuzak tastes. Although not one of Nascimento's best, the album did establish a foothold for him at last beyond the obscure import racks in North America and he has remained a presence there ever since. (The CD version contains an extra track.)