Nuno Mindelis review…September, 11, 2013…

NUNO MINDELIS

ANGELS AND CLOWNS

FEAT. THE DUKE ROBILLARD BAND

SHINING STONE RECORDS  SSCD  004

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE–IT’S ONLY A DREAM–ANGELS AND CLOWNS–MISS LOUISE–HELLHOUND–27TH DAY–PERFECT BLUES–TOM PLAISIR–(HOW?) TO MAKE LOVE STAY–BLUES IN MY CABIN–LUCKY BOY–HAPPY GUY–JAZZ BREAKFAST AT LAKEWEST

Nuno Mindelis was born in Angola, during that country’s divisive civil wars.  Already a guitar prodigy by age nine, he and his family were forced to leave the country for their own safety, eventually finding safe haven in Brazil.  There, during his formative years, young Nuno began to flourish on guitar, taking particular notice of the “Clapton Is God” graffiti that he saw from news footage from the UK.

As time has passed, he has achieved a unique level of stardom in not only his native South America, but across the world as well.  For his USA debut, Shining Stone Records has just released “Angels And Clowns,” thirteen originals that cover several genres’ in scope, and hearken back to the days of his youth, when, if he heard a song on the radio, he’d go home and learn it on guitar.

Nuno’s talents are endorsed wholeheartedly by Duke Robillard, who produced this set, and adds guitar on a few cuts.  His band, consisting of stalwarts Brad Hallen on bass, Bruce Bears on keys, and Mark Teixeira on drums, round out the ensemble.

With this album, Nuno wanted to reach as wide an audience as possible, and creates quite an array of blues, rock, roots, and jazz herein.  He’s joined by labelmate Sunny Crownover on vocals on the leadoff “It’s All About Love,” tracing the shadows and lights of a relationship.  Another pair of star-crossed lovers are the subject of the poignant “27TH Day,” while the age-old question of “(How?) To Make Love Stay” is done in a jazzy, low-key style with Nuno providing somewhat muted lead lines.  “Happy Guy” is a punchy, uptempo groover with finee acoustic piano from Bruce, and serves as Nuno’s biography.  It also features a sweet, extended, B. B. King-inspired solo at the bridge.

There’s some good ole gutbucket blues for the purists, too, and those served as our favorites.  “Blues In My Cabin” is a classic “my baby left me” rocker, while “Miss Louise” low-rides along a laid-back groove reminiscent of recently-passed legend J. J. Cale.

In Brazil, it is not uncommon to see graffiti that proclaims “Nuno Is OUR God,” in reference to Clapton.  To us, that HAS to be the ultimate compliment, and one listen to Nuno Mindelis and “Angels And Clowns” will prove his talents are undeniable!  Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.