Customer Reviews

Cabo Verde

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was sailing with some friends on an incredible trip to Africa, and we stopped briefly at the small island of Cabo Verde. I had never heard of Cesaria Evora before. I had really never heard much about Cabo Verde before this trip. In a small music/souvenier shop near the port, I heard this CD playing. I was hooked immediately. I bought a CD for myself and several for friends back home, and have never been more delighted with a chance find. My friends are still thanking me.

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!

CABO VERDE is a great album for fans of world music. CESARIA EVORA has such a captivating voice, that the listener will be unable to stop listening to it. The songs are beautifully sung, with great melodies that makes this the perfect album to just lie back and listen to. When I listen to it, I feel like I am being trasported to another land. The songs are filled with emotion that the listener will be able to feel. Every song that is on this album is great, I cant find any songs here that I dont like. I first heard of CESARIA EVORA when I purchased CAFE ATLANTICO, which is another album that I highly recommend. I just love her voice and the emotion that pours out of her. This is a great addition to any music collection.

Walking through the Alfama, one of the oldest sections of Lisbon, I saw an open door, the entrance to an art gallery and shop. The music on the stereo got to me immediately. It was, I learned, "Pe de Boi", and the singer was Cesaria Evora. I bought the CD and have been listening to it ever since. For anyone who has not heard this woman sing, I say buy this CD; you will not regret it. Cesaria Evora has a lot to say and she says it beautifully in her songs.

On this album, Cape Verde's greatest export to the world delivers another exquisite collection of mournful and yearning songs in her moving, bluesy voice. She sings in creolised Portuguese and the style (morna) is a mix of the Portuguese fado and African rhythms. Although Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast, this style has little in common with the mainland sounds from countries like Senegal or Mali. The instrumental mix includes guitars, the special rhythm guitar called cavaquino and even a clarinet to create an engaging polyrhythmic backing for Cesaria's graceful vocal style. Strangely, the sad songs have an uplifting effect on the spirit. Of the slower songs, my favourites are Ess Pais and Zebra, whilst the funkiest uptempo numbers are Quem Bo and Mae Velha. The track Pe Di Boi includes a lovely whistling interlude. The foot tapping dance track Sangue de Beirona is equally inspiring. This is an excellent album by one of the greatest artists in World Music today.

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!

For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

Cesaria Evora combines a mellow voice with a confident, easy style of delivery. She is probably one of the best singers in the world today and on all of the recordings I have heard she is mercifully free of the overproduction that has spoiled the recordings of some great performers. Cesaria Evora is one of the best voices being recorded today. Buy any of her current recordings before some record exec genius decides to put her into an echo chamber and makes her sound like the lowing of a thousand dying cattle as has been done to Enya.

I bought this CD at amazon because it was recommended as Sunday morning music and I liked the samples. Since I have the CD I have listened to it at least once a day and I just love it. I am looking forward to discovering her other albums. Listening to her just makes me feel happy, it is amazing.

I just got this CD a few days ago and cannot stop listening to it. It's my current favorite album. I like almost every track on the disk. Great music if you like this genre.

On this album, Cape Verde's greatest export to the world delivers another exquisite collection of mournful and yearning songs in her moving, bluesy voice. She sings in creolised Portuguese and the style (morna) is a mix of the Portuguese fado and African rhythms.

Although Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast, this style has little in common with the mainland sounds from countries like Senegal or Mali. The instrumental mix includes guitars, the special rhythm guitar called cavaquino and even a clarinet to create an engaging polyrhythmic backing for Cesaria's graceful vocal style. Strangely, the sad songs have an uplifting effect on the spirit.

Of the slower songs, my favourites are Ess Pais and Zebra, whilst the funkiest uptempo numbers are Quem Bo and Mae Velha. The track Pe Di Boi includes a lovely whistling interlude. The foot tapping dance track Sangue de Beirona is equally inspiring. This is an excellent album by one of the greatest artists in World Music today.

I was first introduced to the "morna" style of this fantastic artist on public radio...and purchased a single (Mar E Morada De Sodade) from this CD. Well, I waited a year and finally ordered the complete cd. Shouldn't have waited! ALL of the cuts are great - some sad, some fun, all to be experienced. Cesaria Evora is a treasure! Thank you!