Cesaria Evora - Cabo Verde

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Music reviews of Cabo Verde

Music Review: An Afro-Portuguese Sound & A Silk-Smooth Voice.
Rating: 5 Stars

Cabo Verde was colonized by the Portuguese, and the combination of the African and Portuguese cultures makes for some fabulous music - a little similar to sounds from Brazil. The music on this CD is a combination of the 'fado' from Portugal, mixed with the Brazilian ballad-like 'choro,' and soulful 'forros,' along with Cape Verde's own particular island sound. There is no better way to understand this wonderful, nuanced music than to listen to it. And Ms. Evora, herself, plays her voice and makes a music that is very much her own.

The nostalgic "Partida," "Mar e Morada de Soledad," and "Ess Pais," are sung with a sadness and longing that evoke much emotion. Other cuts, like "Tchintchirote," and "Sangue de Beirona" make me want to just get up and dance to the Oh So Sensual Beat! It is Ms. Evora's soft, silky-smooth, engaging voice that is so special. She is backed by strings - the guitar and an instrument called the 'cavaquinho'- but the rhythms are pure island. A terrific CD! You will enjoy it!

Description of Cabo Verde

With a population descended from former Portuguese colonialists and former African slaves, Cape Verde closely resembles Brazil and has produced a music with similar rippling syncopation and light, sensual vocals, though the Verdean sound is marked by the breezy lilt characteristic of islands. But when Evora sings mournfully of a "Partida" (departure) that will take her love far away, anyone who has ever experienced such a separation will recognize the mix of pain and affection in her voice. That voice is a very special instrument, for it glides gracefully over the supple beat even as it resounds deeply in Evora's lower range and fills up with warm, enveloping resonance. She is backed by a small, all-acoustic Verdean combo led by the ukulele-like, four-string cavaquinho. American jazz great James Carter plays tenor saxophone on "Coragem Irmon," but Evora has no problem matching his thick, buttery tone. --Geoffrey Himes

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