Multi-reedist Eddie Daniels has struck up a productive relationship with Resonance Records, resulting in two superbly thematic releases focusing on Brazilian musical figures Egberto Gismonti (Heart of Brazil: A Tribute to Egberto Gismonti (2018)) and Ivan Lins (Night Kisses: A Tribute to Ivan Lins (2020)). Daniels extends this series to Milton Nascimento and his 1969 CTI recording Courage, which Daniels deftly recreates on To Milton With Love.
This Brazilian series has been a labor of love for Resonance Records CEO George Klabin, resulting in this moving and accomplished collaboration with Daniels and his fine band, pianist Josh Nelson, guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker all supplemented with the Lyris String Quartet. Kuno Schmid & Josh Nelson developed the arrangements. Daniel performs in his showcase on clarinet, flute, and tenor and soprano saxophones.
Notable performances include the opening "Travessia" with its humid blend of strings and tenor sax, the shifting tempos of "Vera Cruz," and the late-night sensuous feel of "Outubro". Daniels plays the soprano sax on the jazzy "Gira Girou", and it immediately eliminates any doubt about Daniels' blues playing. The sweet coda with a special chamber jazz duo tribute to Nascimento by Josh Nelson and Daniels. This is a finely crafted product by exceptional musicians. Drink deep.