Vento De Maio

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 1998 by Luis Tamargo

ELIS REGINA Vento De Maio (Hemisphere)

Endowed with a supernatural range, Porto Alegre-born Elis Regina (1945-1982) was perhaps the most important Brazilian vocalist of her epoch. With a few exceptions, this compilation consists of songs recorded by Regina for EMI, and includes various vocal collaborations with Milton Nascimento, Adoniran Barbosa, etc. Most impressive is her duet with Nascimento (O Que Foi Feito De Vera), as arranged by Regina's pianist/spouse César Camargo Mariano, whom this writer met once in Venice. Not the sinking Adriatic seaport, but the incorporated area of L.A. County where vulnerable tourists cross paths with aboriginal gangbangers.

Equally skillful as a balladeer, sambista or jazz stylist, Regina's voice soared consistently with passionate beauty, even when approaching the very tragic end, as in the case of Billie Holiday. The title track alone provides ample evidence of her awesome capabilities. After all, it was none other than Tom Jobim whom most eloquently described her artistic nature; "She could change in a song. Suddenly she was water, wine, cachaga (Brazilian sugarcane liquor). She had a complete command of her body and soul."