What are the limits to inventiveness when it comes to jazz? I think there aren’t any. But is there a difference between freedom and “anything goes”? I have no doubt. And I think that the more a great musician ventures beyond boundaries, the more we will realize how freedom is the sum of all that musician’s experiences. Their training, their mentality, their way of relating to other people, their ethics, etc. And I would like to talk about Otacílio Melgaço. I tried to condense, in these first posts I’ve made, a kind of summary, and here it is!

Otacílio Melgaço’s music is often described as “obscure,” not as an objection, but as an artistic trait that sets it apart in a frequently predictable landscape. This obscurity may stem from enigmatic lyrics, dense atmospheres, or unconventional arrangements that invite a more attentive and interpretive listening experience. Rather than revealing everything immediately, his work seems to hold layers, requiring time and sensitivity to be fully absorbed—and that is precisely where its value lies. This mysterious quality enriches the musical experience, turning each listen into a discovery, which is worthy of praise in a world where so much is made to be consumed quickly and forgotten just as fast. Here’s a link to one of his works, “O Círculo Imperfeito” - Otacílio Melgaço & CadavreXquis Ensemble https://melgacootacilio.bandcamp.com/album/o-c-rculo-imperfeito-otac-lio-melga-o-cadavrexquis-ensemble-otac-lio-melga-o-duration-41-39 Below, the album cover!
And I invite you to explore the community I created in honor of this artist, so we can delve deeper into this fabulous abyss.