Eddie Daniels

To Milton With Love

Resonance

Generally, Resonance Records is a champion of archival releases, but Eddie Daniels’ To Milton With Love is a new project. Label owner George Klabin fell in love with Brazilian Milton Nascimento’s 1969 debut album, Courage, which he attests to in the liner notes as his favorite album, even 56 years later. Nascimento, as most know, is one of the iconic voices of Brazilian music. So, Klabin recruited woodwind master and exceptional clarinetist Eddie Daniels to lead this fully instrumental project, marking the third time Daniels has collaborated with Klabin on a Brazilian tribute.  He surrounded Daniels with some of the premier musicians in L.A., several of whom had worked with Klabin on Brazilian tribute releases (Edberto Gismonti and Ivan Lins).  They are pianist and arranger Josh Nelson, guitarist Anthony Wilson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker. Also aboard is the Lyris String Quartet. Klabin also called on another of his favorite arrangers, Kuno Schmid. The versatile Daniels, often in the role of ‘vocalist,’ plays clarinet, soprano saxophone, flute, and tenor saxophone.

The album opens with “Travessia” (Crossroads), which may be the most important Nascimento song. Eumir Deodato, a young arranger and keyboard player at the time, later exploded as a ‘70s fusion star.  For most of the songs here, he was Nascimento’s collaborator, arranger, and orchestra conductor. The strings and Nelson’s piano also loom large. The lyrics of the original deal with a mire of despair stoically, as expressed in the descending phrases of the A section and rising tones in the latter half as the sun appears. “Vera Cruz” is a favorite of jazz musicians for its shifting rhythms, minor chords, and chromatic harmonies. It’s about a man’s desperate quest to recapture a love that lived and expired in Vera Cruz. Daniels’ clear-toned clarinet floats over a cushion of strings. “Tres Pontas” is named after a tiny town in he region where Nascimento grew up. The lofty string introduction connotes a slow, lazy day that suddenly morphs to a party celebrating a local’s arrival by train. We hear brisk, perky solos from Nelson, Wilson, and Daniels (on clarinet).

“Outobro” means October, the month Nascimento was born, and incidentally. Daniels as well. Daniels takes this lovely ballad on tenor. “Courage” features a lyric from the then lesser-known Paul Williams, about a man near death and fearing it. Daniels spins the stoic melody on clarinet, with the string quartet responding in counterpoint. Daniels is also on clarinet for “Rio Vermelho” (Red River), about a warrior’s pledge to fight Brazil’s brutal dictatorship, begun in 1964. You guessed it. The waters turn red with blood. This is a brisk arrangement with plenty of urgency in Daniels’ playing. There’s a funkiness to “Gira, Girou” (Round n Round) about a loved one’s awakening by the sunrise. There’s a modal quality to the piece that Daniels delivers on soprano saxophone, along with strong contributions from Nelson and Wilson.

“Morro Velho” (Old Hill) traces the friendship of two boys, one black and poor, and the other white and well-to-do. The latter becomes a doctor while the former is left behind. The swelling string intro gives way to Daniels on flute in this sensitive, rather somber piece, which is beautiful in its own way.  Daniels stays with the flute for “Catavento” (Pinwheel) in a rendition close to the original. At times, Daniels is in counterpoint to Nelson. Wilson takes a brief solo, and the bass-drum tandem keeps this one steadily rolling. “Cancao do Sal” (Salt Song) sees Daniels returning to the clarinet in a swinging, soulful melody for the salt miners. You also hear Wilson briefly on guitar in the bluesy mode that he’s known for. The only original song is the closer “For Milton,” a gorgeously melodic duo piece written by Nelson, where Daniels proffers a masterclass in clarinet playing.

Nascimento is still with us but retired from touring. He earned his fifth Grammy nomination for Milton + Esperanza, his 2024 album. Chances are high that Nascimento would give a great endorsement to this fine effort by Daniels and his accompanying cast.

• Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included