Drawing from his new album Abracaco, the word written across a band members drum in the center of the stage, the songs carried a weight of his older work but had a new breath of energy due in part to his younger, electric band. Pedro Sa, on guitar, particularly blew the audience away with his quick and pin pricked sturmming.

The enthusiastic audience sang along to favorites like “Baby,” from the 60’s and would scream and wave their hands in the air as Veloso unbuttoned his shirt or shook his butt during musical interludes. Part of the group that popularized the Brazilian musical movement Tropicalismo, the Brazilian born Veloso's talents stretch from music to theater, politics, and poetry.

At 72 years old, Veloso carries the stage with his songs and the strum of his guitar like he’s an experienced performer with a young fresh outlook.He crosses the stage after every few songs while the fans fling their hands about almost in a slow version of the wave.

All of the songs were sung in Portuguese except for the last, “9 out of 10.” Even though I don’t speak a lick of Portugese, the lyrics were sung in such a poetic way, the words cross language boundaries and enter a space of artful music. You don’t have to understand the words to enjoy the music and recognize a beautiful experience.
EYE ON THE ARTS, NY -- Bailey Moon