The Author Explains

We had the pleasure of seeing Caetano Veloso at the Greek yesterday evening, and he was wonderful as always.  There’s something very intimate about his concerts, even from the balcony the music feels very personal, it’s like he’s singing just for you, but of course it’s even more fun when you’re near.

It’s a lovely venue, nestled in the Hollywood Hills just a little way down from the Griffith Observatory.  It’s an open air venue, and despite being right in the middle of Los Angeles, is surrounded by open woodland.  It was wonderfully tranquil, sitting in their little cafe under the paper lanterns and fairy lights, with a view of nothing but lush evergreens, listening to the birds before the concert.

We knew we wouldn’t have time to eat beforehand, so we ordered a nice little picnic basket dinner with a bottle of chilled white zinfandel, and while it was overpriced, it was also quite delicious.  After our second bottle of wine, we both agreed we’d had much worse and paid more for the pleasure.  I kept a tasty lemon cookie in my pocket for later, and nommed on it throughout the show.

Cae puts on a great show, and always plays in good venues.  There are a lot of brasilieros here in LA, and his fans are particularly dedicated, so most of the audience sang along with the songs.  I’ve only got the vaguest idea what most of his songs are about, but I sing along as well.  He’s very political, but the strange and wonderful thing about tropicalia is that it’s hopeful, uplifting. It’s a song to carry in your heart, even if the lyrics are about poverty and violence.

During the encore a lot of people left their seats, so I followed suit, and being both tiny and female, was able to squeeze right up to the stage.  The stage wasn’t that high, but still, he had to reach quite a way down.  Tiny girl hands with sparkly glitter polish always get touched.  *sigh*  He has soft, strong hands.

Everything about Caetano Veloso makes me happy.  He’s the father of a whole musical genre, but he’s still humble.  He’s very good to his band mates onstage, even though they’re quite young, they’re all highly skilled musicians, and he lets them shine.  It seems as if generosity of spirit comes easily to him.

Speaking of generosity, his new album “zii e zie” is online for listening in its entirety.  Check it out.  It’s edgy and like most of his work, is solidly grounded in rock and roll, but is also soothing and melodious.  I think you’ll like it.