Customer Reviews

Story of Fado (Portugal)

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I bought this cd on the spur of the moment because it was cheap. All I can say now is that it's the best cd purchase I've made this year! When I first listened to it, I was a bit bothered by the tinny guitar accompaniment, but after repeated listens I grew accustomed to it, and I now love this music.
I had never even heard of fado before buying this cd. It's truly beautiful music. If you also have never heard of fado before, I will try to describe it. This is not a form of rock music. It sounds a bit like the songs of some female American jazz singers, for example, Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holliday. The packaging says it is Portuguese blues, but it is definitely not as raw as the blues singers I'm familiar with (ie. Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and B. B. King.) Most of the songs sound sad, but not sentimental. There is a slightly rough quality to many of the singers' voices that is very attractive. The songs were recorded at various times over the last forty years, so the sound quality varies, but it is acceptable. Even though each track is sung by a different singer, the cd still holds together and feels like a unit. The cd packaging does not include the lyrics, unfortunately, but if you understand Portuguese the words are clear enough to figure out.
Given that it introduced me to a new type of music that I now love, I would definitely recommend this cd to others.

This is a wonderful collection of fado. Even for those that are not conversant in the Portuguese language (like myself), the "essences" of the selections are communicated more than adequately through voice, tempo, and instrumentation. In general, the instrumentation is simple -- guitarras (Portuguese guitars), violas (Spanish guitars), and an occasional bass. They set the mood for the lyrics and the voice. Those that enjoy vocals, especially the "natural" voice, will fall in love with this collection. Amalia Rodrigues sings a marvelously passionate rendition of "Foi Deus." Tristao da Silva's silky baritone voice is exquisite in "Aquela Janela Virada Pro Mar." The other selections also stand on their own merits. The different artists that appear in the CD demonstrate the impressive range that exists within the genre of fado. I have listened to this CD often and will continue to listen to it many more times!

The fado (the word derived from the Latin for 'destiny') sings in a very nostalgic and intense way of lost love, lost loved ones, lost shores and any other suffering you may think of. The Portuguese will always listen to a fadista (fado singer) in silence, out of respect. A respect that is not always maintained in tourist places that offer fado. Some people find the Portuguese way of dealing with sorrow and singing about it in fados a bit oppressive. (Although there are some fairly merry fados as well.) The rather heavy suffering in the fado does make for very, very beautiful music, however, and this disc is a very good example of the art of fado. I particularly like 'A Rosinha Dos Limoes' which is about the singer going to the market to see his love 'littele Rosa' of the lemon stand, and also 'Partir E Morrer Um Pouco' ('leaving is dying a little'). The voice of the grand old man of Portuguese fado Alfredo Marceneiro is another treat on this CD. But it should be stressed that all tracks are of the same high quality. One may appreciate it even more, maybe, if one knows a little bit about the themes of the fados. A booklet with original and translated texts would be an extra asset. But even so: highly recommended!

This is a rather eclectic selection. The "fadistas" (sp?) are basically split--half are men, half women. There is a lot here to keep you interested. I've listened to this album 10's of times and still find it appealing. Just returned from Portugal and got to listen to fado live; it was a great experience. Although not the same, still this album is a good substitute. Can't beat the price.

Great CD--A great selection of male and female fadistas... Berta Cardoso, Max, Amalia Rodrigues, and Antonio M...truly wonderful. Pure enjoyment.

I foud this CD to be absolutely awesome. It is truly a classic and Yes, thats what you call "Blues"