Fragments: Modern Tradition

AMG Review of Fragments: Modern Tradition

Stacia Proefrock
All Music Guide

Fragments: Modern Tradition is a collection of compositions written by Nana Vasconcelos for six films. The music is appropriately atmospheric, and takes on a myriad of ethnic influences from around the world. Indeed, the first track "Vento Chamando Vento" sounds amazingly similar to fellow multi-ethnicists Dead Can Dance. Vasconcelos utilizes a variety of percussion instruments -- cowbells, shakers and drums -- to achieve the sounds of open landscapes. The album is not all space and wind, however. A fine backing band helps Vasconcelos create a number of musical textures, including the incredibly peppy "Forró Para Antero" and the poly-rhythmic "Let's Go to the Jungle." While this album does not shine with the brilliance of other work like Saudades and Bush Dance, it is a worthwhile addition to Vasconcelos' catalog.