Cape Verde music reviews

I was not familiar with the artist and bought this CD not really knowing what to expect. I found a collection of soft, sad songs beautifully arranged and accompanied by some great piano backing. Tracks are selected from four albums recorded between 1988-1992. From a different corner of the globe, but reminiscent of Omara Portuondo. Highly recommended.

I recommend this ode to the Earth composed and presented here by a great artist that deserves to be better known by broader audiences. Her style of singing and her way to compose reminds us younger and talented artists like Bjork (the field is not the same, but the spirit). Her musical approach and sensitivity is here accompagnied by talented soloists from the classc, indian classic, jazz, contemporary fields. Warmly recommended album!

V�ctor Jara es un m�sico con una peque�a trayectoria: "Director Coreogr�fico de Cuncumen" y artista solista de la Pe�a de los Parra, en ese momento es llamado por Camilo Fern�ndez a grabar en su sello Demon. Este primer album trae sus primeras huellas indelebles en la historia. Se entrega su versatilidad desde el canto campesino y la m�sica andina, acompa�ado en algunas canciones por Angel Parra(El Arado y Ja jai) y Quilapayun(Deja la vida volar y Ojitos verdes). Una guitarra con los aires de su ni�ez "Recuerdo el rostro de mi padre como un hueco en la muralla, sabanas manchadas de barro, piso de tierra, mi madre d�a y noche trabajando, llantos y gritos...". Y ese sonido rom�ntico que atraveso balas y la historia "Que la vida se me acaba porque te tengo tan lejos, palomita verte quiero". La herencia de Yupanqui en su voz "Que saco rogar al cielo si en tierra me han de enterrar, la tierra me da comida, la tierra me hace sudar...". Y su rostro nacida de la pobreza que entona revoluci�n"Es la s�rdida pobreza que se pretende ignorar, es un mar amargo y negro que se tiene que aclarar �Cu�nto tienes que vivir para ver la libertad?...". Lo demas es escucharlo. Los bonus track de este primer trabajo de V�ctor hacen una peque�a retrospectiva del trabajo con Cuncumen y en solitario: "La beata" fue su primer sencillo censurado para la epoca y los �ltimos temas son una muestra del trabajo con el conjunto de Recopilacion y Proyeccion folklorica chilena Cuncumen. El sonido de esta nueva version es magistral.

Soft and delicate voices for this deeply african rooted traditionnal music from Guadeloupe. I found it great to mix guadelupian rhythms and drumming to afro-cuban ones (i.e. the iyesa rhythms in the first piece and latopa rhythms in the last one). A must have.

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

I saw Cesaria at the concert last year and I am also going to see her live this year. It was a really wonderful experience to hear her live. Such a unique and lovely voice.
"Sao Vicente" (or "Sao Vicente Di Longe" is called European version)is my favorite Cesaria album. Beautiful melodies which reminds of tropical islands in the summer... an album for relaxation. A masterpiece! Favorite songs on the album:
1. Sao Vicente Di Longe - my favorite song on the album. Amazing melody!! This really is a song which will take you to another place... sunny place near the ocean...
2. Dor Di Amor - Wow! I really like this song. What a rythm... All kinds of instruments are represented here. Very very good song.
3. Nutridinha - This one was a single... Very catchy and very tropical song... Great rythm.
4. Tiempo Y Silencio - Very nice ballad. Duet with Pedro Guerra. Really nice melody.
5. Bondade E Maldade - Great and very catchy.
Esperancia Irisada, Sabor De Pecado, Ponta De Fi, Pic Nic Na Salamansa, Regresso - these are also great song on the album. Really beautiful.
Great voice and great songs which can really take you to another place... somewhere far far away where sun is shining all the time...

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.

MAR AZUL by CESARIA EVORA is just a beautiful cd that I havent stopped listening to since I bought it a few weeks ago. I have 5 of her cd's and I like nothing better to do than just lie back and relax and listen to her music. When I hear her voice and the music, I few that I am being trasported to a different land far from where I presently am. I have to say, it is her voice that truly stands out on her albums. Some have compared her to
Billie Holiday, and I think that might be a fair comparison. I can't think of any weak spots on this album, each songs is just so great. This is a must have for any serious music fan. I also recommend CAFE ATLANTICO and CABO VERDE to add to your collection. I dont think that you will be disappointed.

As someone who lovingly possesses all of Cesaria Evora's albums, I am tempted to call "Mar Azul" her best. It's certainly the best introduction to a wonderful artist, a true world treasure. "Miss Perfumado" is a close second, and "Cabo Verde" is superb. But for seductive dreaminess it's "Mar Azul" all the way.

Her voice is like butter. If you like wonderful, soothing/soulful music this is a wonderful cd to listen to or play in the background.

MAR AZUL by CESARIA EVORA is just a beautiful cd that I havent stopped listening to since I bought it a few weeks ago. I have 5 of her cd's and I like nothing better to do than just lie back and relax and listen to her music. When I hear her voice and the music, I few that I am being trasported to a different land far from where I presently am. I have to say, it is her voice that truly stands out on her albums. Some have compared her to
Billie Holiday, and I think that might be a fair comparison. I can't think of any weak spots on this album, each songs is just so great. This is a must have for any serious music fan. I also recommend CAFE ATLANTICO and CABO VERDE to add to your collection. I dont think that you will be disappointed.

As someone who lovingly possesses all of Cesaria Evora's albums, I am tempted to call "Mar Azul" her best. It's certainly the best introduction to a wonderful artist, a true world treasure. "Miss Perfumado" is a close second, and "Cabo Verde" is superb. But for seductive dreaminess it's "Mar Azul" all the way.

Her voice is like butter. If you like wonderful, soothing/soulful music this is a wonderful cd to listen to or play in the background.

a collection of African pop (?) that have the portuguese language as the common trait. pop is probably not a very good description in view of the variety of styles, from the salsa to cape verdien morna. Some of the songs are very forgettable, but some very haunting. I bought it for the first song in the CD by Bonga, which by itself is well worth the price. overall, it gives you a nice sampling of the great musical diversity of that part of Africa.

This is just a great cd. I can't say that any particular track stands out, because each track contributes something to the next. If you are a fan of world music or latin music I promise you will not be unsatisfied with this album . . .

I have had this cd for three years and it is my favorite. The melodies are haunting yet very beautiful. The rhythms make you want to dance and the more you listen to it the more you will enjoy it. You can feel the country and the culture. Picture yourself on the beach somewhere with this music playing. I love it.

Great dance music to lighten up your feet!!! A wonderful recording. All the great rhythms of latin america with afro fusion influence. A true delight!

A stunning set from this Columbian diva... This veers sharply away from the standard-issue hyperactive cumbias that dominate most Columbian releases, with an electric mix of Cuban-style sones and guarachas, African percussion and indigenous South American folk styles. Okay, so I admit my description may sound a bit academic on paper, but that's why you owe it to yourself to pick this album up and see if you think it sounds as groovy as I do. La Momposina is an arresting vocalist, and these tunes are delivered with a solid, swinging beat. Highly recommended!

I read a newspaper review on Toto La Momposina's last concert here in Miami, which motivated me to buy the CD. I am happy I did, it is a beautifully rythmic album. The traditional Afro-Colombian Cumbia music is presented here in all it's primitive glory. I especially loved "Las Cuatro Palomas", "Millo Son", and the last track "Hacha Machete y Garabato". Close your eyes and imagine yourself swaying back and forth in traditional Cumbia style listening to this carribean delight.

This a really cool cd,from VENEZUELA ,thoses guys from Serenata have sensitive of music ,It is really amazing that way that they make music,It is a melting between culturs.It is just awesome ,made in Venezuela .It is a tipycal music in Venezuela the sing about parks,Venezuela,culturs,people from Venezuela

Lilia Vera and Serenata Guayanesa sing beautifully with wonderful Venezuelan rhythms and instruments, all different and clearly annotated by the German producers.
The other artists are also great--tres and harps. The lyrics, in Spanish, are varied in theme: sometimes funny, sometimes poignant.

Excelente seleccion de diversos artistas y estilos musicales venezolanos. Musica para escuchar y degustar. Comprelo.//Excellent selection of various artists and venezuelan musical styles. Music to listen to and enjoy. Buy it.