Nascimento Returns to His Roots

For three decades now, Nascimento has mesmerized audiences around the world with his personal style, a bittersweet mix of Brazilian poetry, Beatles-esque melodies and echoes of Argentine tango and such modern classical composers as Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Whereas his last two albums were polished, all-star affairs and reworkings of greatest hits, “Nascimento” is an emotional, straightforward recording of new material that harks back to the musician’s best past work, from the brilliance of “Clube da Esquina” to the dark tenderness of “Journey to Dawn.”

On most of the album (much of which was improvised in the studio under the guidance of producer Russ Titelman), Nascimento returns to the roots of his home state Minas Gerais, covering the tracks with layers and layers of drumming, all of which nicely frame his powerful voice.

But the standout track is a Portuguese version of Uruguayan Leo Masliah’s “Biromes y Servilletas” (Pens and Napkins, referring to the big-city poets who scribble their verses on paper napkins at cafes).

Throughout the set, this combination of heartfelt music and potent lyrics is nurturing for both the mind and the spirit. A contender for best Latin record of the year.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).