Nascimento, Scott-Heron Share the Same Concerns

Though on the surface singer-songwriters Milton Nascimento and Gil Scott-Heron hardly seem alike--one hails from Rio de Janeiro, the other from Chicago--they are essentially brothers of word and song.

The two artists, who both appear in Southern California tonight, have long embraced similar issues in their work--personal dignity, political freedom, world peace and respect for the environment (mostly Nascimento, in regards to the Brazilian rain forest), as well as the long-standard fare of songs: affairs of the heart.

The often enthralling Nascimento, who plays tonight at 8 at the Wiltern, recently released “Angelus,” his debut album for Warner Bros. The album, which features such guest artists as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, James Taylor and Peter Gabriel, finds Nascimento applying his compelling, rhythmic singing style to his favorite themes, with often involved, penetrating words.

Nascimento started performing in the mid-’60s in Brazil but didn’t really reach American audiences until his appearance on Shorter’s classic 1975 release, “Native Dancer.” The artist, who has recorded more than 20 albums, will bring a Brazilian band to the Wiltern. Tickets: (213) 480-3232; information: (213) 380-5005.

Scott-Heron, who performs tonight at Birdland West in Long Beach, is renowned for such ‘70s era selections as “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” (about the political and social awakening of the African American community), “Johannesburg” (about apartheid) and “Home Is Where the Hatred Is,” a tale of a heroin addict--the latter number was recorded poignantly by the late Esther Phillips.

“Spirits,” Scott-Heron’s latest album on TVT Records, continues to delve into his chosen topics and features his unique, rich-voiced monologues and singing over a variety of jazz, R&B; and pop musical backgrounds.

Scott-Heron will perform at 9 and 10:30 p.m., appearing with the band that recorded “Spirits,” including Kim Jordan, piano, Leon Williams, saxes, and Ed Brady, guitar. Information: (310) 436-9341.