Caetano Veloso – Prenda Minha

Prenda Minha
Caetano Veloso
(Blue Thumb – 2000)
by Paula Edelstein

Caetano Veloso is one of Brazil’s greatest contemporary vocalists and composers, but in the USA, he is best known as the founder of Brazilian tropicalia – a late ’60s movement that mixed rock ‘n roll, kitsch and North American youth culture with Brazilian pop. With the release of PRENDA MINHA on Blue Thumb Records, one of his greatest “live” concerts can be re-lived by his avid fans again and again. The cool jazz that inspired the bossa nova craze is the centerpiece of this 20-track CD that features Caetano Veloso on vocals and guitar, and cellist Jacques Morelenbaum, Luiz Brazil on acoustic and electric guitars, berimbau and vocals, along with a compact brass trio of Rowney Scott on saxophone, Roberto Silva on trombone, and Joatan Nascimento on trumpet and flugelhorn.

His rousing rhythm section of Señors Victor, Costa, Josino, and Eduardo, features a special guest appearance by Moreno Veloso, and provides the fire and syncopated friction for the suave delivery of Caetano on such great songs as “Meditacaão,” “Terra,” and the crowd pleasing “Não enche.” Caetano Veloso’s artistic brilliance is superior and remains the consummate reflection of the high standards set by the great Brazilian masters.