Pop Music Review : Zap Mama Steals Lead Act’s Thunder

Milton Nascimento, a familiar name in this country since he was heard on Wayne Shorter’s “Native Dancer” 20 years ago, was back in town Saturday for a concert at the Wiltern Theatre.

Leading a dynamic eight-piece band (two keyboards, bass, guitar and three percussion), he presented a program of songs most of which were evidently unfamiliar to this audience; there was no applause of recognition. However, his vocal charm came across as it always has.

For those who do not understand Portuguese, his messages were unclear--whether they dealt with ecology, love, world peace or politics was beyond this listener’s comprehension.

Nascimento showed himself less than brilliant at the keyboard, dancing, and even playing the guitar. For the most part his performance was as static as the preceding act was dynamic.

In fact, he set himself a difficult task by assigning the first half of the show to five women billed as “Zap Mama.” From the moment they stormed the stage, this unique group defies definition. This was more than world music, though it encompassed sounds from many countries and in several languages (including Portuguese, Spanish, English, French and possibly Yoruba).

Colorfully garbed, delightfully choreographed, tossing veils around and blending in close harmony, they drew three standing ovations. In short, before Nascimento could open his mouth, Zap Mama had all but stolen the show.