Customer Reviews

Sao Vicente

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is balm for the soul, as Cesaria's warm voice hugs you with her lilting melodies and Brazilian rhythms; though some of the songs have wistful themes, it is uplifting music, and would set a lovely mood for a friendly gathering.
There are some guest artists on a few tracks: Canary Island singer/songwriter Pedro Guerra joins Cesaria in his "Tiempo y Silencio", and his smooth voice makes a wonderful blend with Cesaria's. This is the only song on the CD that is sung in Spanish (the rest are in Portuguese).

"Regresso" is a marvelous duet with the great Brazilian artist Caetano Veloso, and the arrangement for this song is fabulous, with terrific solo piano and guitar work.
"Negue" is exquisite in its simplicity, with Cesaria accompanied by Chucho Valdez (who is known as "The Duke Ellington of Cuba") on piano, and "Linda Mimosa" has the backing of the famous Cuban band Orquesta Aragon. Perhaps the weakest track on the CD is the duet with Bonnie Raitt; it doesn't quite work, with Raitt sounding a little uncertain and out of place.

There is a gentle tenderness to Cesaria's voice, and an honesty in her clear tones. By the time one gets to the gorgeous "Fada", which is perhaps my favorite track on the CD, one will simply love this woman.The musicianship is excellent throughout, as is the sound.
The booklet insert has all the lyrics in their original language and translated into rather clumsy English (they have translated "Sabor de Pecado" as "Peach Flavor" for instance), as well as photos of Cesaria, who though she would not be classified as pretty, has an extraordinary strength and beauty in her face. Total time is 64'24. Put it on when you are feeling sad, and feel it lift your spirits, and fill your heart with esperança e amor.

I got to this album via Armando Garzon, Omara Portuondo and the Buena Vista Social Club. In other words, someone whose musical taste I trust said, "If you love those, you'll love this." She was right. A bit more mellow, a bit more melodious but with a great beat and a terrific voice, Cesaria Evora is great listening any time--car, beach, party, intimate dinner. Get one and kickback!

Similar to the way Cafe Atlantico took off in a slightly different direction, Sao Vicente also expands the modalities of Evora's musical celebration. This is a great album for a party or for dancing. Many of the songs have a Latin or Brazilian rhythm to them and depart from Evora's idiosyncratic plaintive expression. Not all of the songs follow this track and there is plenty of the forlorn, deep, beautiful and touching expression fans are used to. I listen to the album and can hear the many ways in which Evora has been touched by fame and notoriety. She wants to share her joy and excitement with the world, without giving up her integrity as a musician. Her duet with Bonnie Raitt is beautiful as well as her work with ChuChu Vales. This is a great choice!!!

This is an exceptional CD. It's rare that I listen to an entire CD and feel delight at every track. I don't much like Bonnie Raitt, and I like even her duet with Evora on this CD.

The feeling is of warmth, of the tropics; the rhythms are those typical of the trans-Atlantic Portugese musical world, from Portugal, to Cape Verde, to Brazil.

The music is unfailingly sweet and soothing; it caresses you. It is likable music. I think I'd feel comfortable giving this CD as a gift to a friend whose tastes I'm not quite sure of. But "Sao Vicente" is never shallow or cloying; this deceptively quiet music is passionate, intense, and true.

The virtuosity of every aspect of the CD is satisfying. Cesaria Evora is, of course, every bit the powerful pro, and every other performer on the CD is in her class.

There's only one thing I don't like about this CD ... it eventually ends. I could listen to its music for many hours more.

This is simply one of the most wonderful CDs ever. One can almost here the waves in the background (figuratively speaking) and the grit of sand between the toes. Definitely an enjoyable collection to listen to while working, studying or laughing with friends. Very upbeat and heartlifting. I also recommend Mercedes Sosa as a similar companion.

This latest album of Cesaria is magnificent. Cesaria comes through again with her great voice, great instrumentals, and above all guests like Gaetano Veloso , and Bonnie Raitt. A must own.

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's voice is so heavenly, so peaceful and beautiful. There aren't really enough adjectives to describe it, so you really should do yourself the favor of picking up some of her music.

The music is very tropical-themed. It's such a beautiful album throughout. It keeps a really upbeat happy vibe throughout.

I would highly recommend this cd to anyone looking to broaden their musical horizons.

Cesaria Evora has a voice like plush velvet.The songs are a totally unique mixture of Latin/African tempo and subject matter.

Yes. Yes! There is an amazing effortlessness in the music, that transports you to some tranquil sad, happy, carefree state. The Cape Verdean Cesaria Evora once again delivers a rich blend of nostalgic African rhythms. These songs evoke a longing, a longing for a love, a longing for home, a longing for an unknown feeling.