Chico Mello

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release

4...according to our Business Lady on Fri 08 Oct, 2010.

OK, this is the second release on new label m=minimal following on from the Conrad Schnitzler LP we recently had in. This one's a re-issue of the classic Chico Mello long player 'Agua' which is a curious little entity that, back in 1986 would have been a one of a kind type of stylistic release but has since acquired itself a healthy reputation over time. Chico Mello is a Brazilian composer much lauded in modern contemporary circles. he now resides in Berlin and is commonly known to perform at various international new music events. 'Agua' is an intense piece of compositional work that embraces abstract minimalism, ritualistic chanting, cute melodic interludes, found sound and collage techniques. It's an unnerving composition that drifts between bouts of sinister darkness and child-like innocence using also sorts of tricks and techniques to create the appropriate atmosphere. Also included here are three other compositions 'Baiando', 'Metraca' and 'Danca' but unfortunately I'm in a rush so you'll have to check the sound clip's if you want to know more. I picked this one up randomly due to the Kompakt distribution label on the back but I'm glad I did as it's a totally appealing listen.

Another fine release on this new label after Conrad Schnitzler...look out for a label feature in Wire mag in October.

The second release of m=minimal "Água" is the rediscovery of a musical jewel. The first limited edition of this extraordinary album was released in 1984 in Brasil. In the 80s in the field of minimal music nothing similar to it was released and it was long overdue to make this record accessible again.

Chico Mello - Brazilian composer who studied with Dieter Schnebel and Witold Szalonek lives and works in Berlin for 20 years. His works have been played at the most important festivals of contemporary/new music (Donaueschingen Music Festival, Musica Viva München, Inventionen Berlin, Maerz Musik, International de Musique Electroacoustique de Bourges, France, Festival Música Nova São Paulo, Bienal de Música Contemporânea Rio de Janeiro, etc.).

Chico Mello worked among others with colleagues such as Arnold Dreyblatt (Animal Magnetism on Tzadik (one of the favorite albums of Jim O'Rourke)), Daniel Ott, and Burkhard Schlotthauer's Wandelweiser ensemble.