Geraes

Milton Nascimento

1976

Cover of Geraes
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Why This Album Matters

Geraes, released in 1976, is an emblematic album in Milton Nascimento's discography, solidifying the bridge between his music and audiences across the American continent. At this stage, the artist already enjoyed global recognition, and the album served as a powerful cultural link. Its sound reflects the rich tapestry of Brazilian music, enriched by diverse influences and sophisticated arrangements. The album is notable for the constellation of special guest appearances that enrich its tracks. Names such as Mercedes Sosa, Chico Buarque, and Clementina de Jesus lend their voices and talents, weaving an intercontinental and generational musical dialogue. The presence of Grupo Agua, discovered by Milton in Chile, also underscores the character of cultural exchange and the search for new sonic expressions that define Geraes.

Context

At the time of Geraes' release, Milton Nascimento had already consolidated his reputation as an artist of international renown, recognised and acclaimed in various parts of the world. The album emerged in this prestigious scenario, reflecting his continuous search for musical and cultural connections beyond Brazilian borders.

Recording

The production of Geraes featured a dedicated team, with Milton Miranda as artistic director and Mariozinho Rocha as production director. Musical supervision was handled by Milton Nascimento himself, and production was overseen by Ronaldo Bastos. Recording was carried out by Roberto and Darcy, and remixing by Nivaldo Duarte. Cutting was executed by Osmar Furtado and assembly by Landimar, while the basic arrangements were conceived by Milton and friends, indicating an organic and collective collaboration in the album's sonic structure.

Songs

The songs on Geraes stand out due to the remarkable collaborations that punctuate the album. Mercedes Sosa lends her voice on "Volver A Los 17", while Chico Buarque participates in "O Que Será (À Flor da Pele)". Clementina de Jesus shines on "Circo Marimbondo", and the Chilean group Agua collaborates on the tracks "Caldera", "Promessas do Sol" and "Minas Geraes", which closes the album. The album's visual aesthetic also deserves attention, with Cafi's cover art displaying the same mountain and train drawing that featured in the sleeve of the previous album, Minas, now prominently positioned. The 1994 CD re-release also added two bonus tracks from the 1977 single "Chico & Milton": "Primeiro de Maio" and "Cio da Terra".

A year after launching the LP Minas (1975), Milton Nascimento returned to stores with Geraes.

Carlos Calado · 300 Discos Importantes

Legacy

Among the songs added to the 1994 re-release, "Cio da Terra" transcended the original album, becoming a classic and being re-recorded by various notable artists, such as Pena Branca & Xavantinho, Sérgio Reis and Mercedes Sosa herself. This fact demonstrates the lasting influence and recognition of Milton Nascimento's work on the Brazilian and international music scene.

Rankings

Tracks

Credits

A&R

Milton Miranda

Producer

Toninho Vicente

Producer

Mariozinho Rocha

Producer

Ronaldo Bastos

Booking

Paulo Pilla

Edited By

Ladimar

Engineer, Mixed By

Nivaldo Duarte

Engineer, Recorded By

Dacy Rodrigues, Roberto Castro

Lacquer Cut By

Osmar Furtado

Cover, Design, Artwork

Cafi, Noguchi, Ronaldo Bastos

Illustration

Milton Nascimento

Photography By, Art Direction

Cafi

Videos

#Album Review: "Geraes", by Milton Nascimento (1976). #503

Alan Cristhian

Do Clube da Esquina ao Mundo: Celebração aos álbuns Minas e Geraes de Milton Nascimento

Pitadas do Sal

Films

Books

Analyses

Discogs

Geraes – Discogs

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