Review: Milton Nascimento played at Ronnie Scotts

28 Jan, 2013

READ IN ENGLISH BELOW / LEIA EM PORTUGUÊS 

By Adrian Shankar Filho

On a cold and wet London night, a ray of Brazilian sunshine appeared at Ronnie Scott’s in the form of musical legend Milton Nascimento. People of all nationalities queued on the streets of Soho to watch this famous son of Minas Gerais perform.

The club was packed with wealthy patrons in roll neck jumpers and pork pie hats, with the air vibrant with anticipation. When Milton appeared, he shuffled slowly round the piano and into position like a great emperor taking his seat on the throne. His movement was minimal, with the sole focus on that distinctive voice that has won him world-wide acclaim. He sparked to life when handed his guitar, and soon the crowd were vacally declaring their love for him between songs.

Some of his epoch defining hits like Maria Maria were there, but when an artist has so many, it is impossible to play them all. A smartly dressed Brazilian couple screamed for him to deliver Coracao de Estudante, but there was not enough time. The punters begged for an encore, and Milton duly obliged. His voice remained as enchanting as before, pulsating with emotion – befitting a man who has spent his life singing about the passions and struggles of the people. As Elis Regina said, ‘if God sang, he would do it with Milton’s voice.’