CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afro-Caribbean Party'

Various Artists
Afro-Caribbean Party
Putumayo

Putumayo releases another gem of a recording and this time they celebrate the music of Afro-Caribbean lands for their aptly-titled, Afro-Caribbean Party. The new album contains a cast of ten different musicians hailing from Martinique, Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. You will hear the Cape Verde and New Orleans jazz-inspired medley of Kali, rolling reggae melodies by Clinton Fearon, jazzy ska by Ska Cubano and Wesli, Afro-Latin dance by Michel Blaise, Latin jazz from Asere, Mandingo reggae with Famara, island rhythms from Jan Sebon and Kazak International, Afro-Latin jazz and folk with a classic tone by Chispa Labori, and mostly instrumental Bahamian folk music from Fred Ferguson & Grafitti. The diverse musical line-up showcases a good overview of typical Afro-Caribbean examples, but it is in no way complete or covers strictly traditional music from the above-mentioned regions. Still, it is a vibrant and dance-worthy album that runs a little short (38:42), but it makes up for it with repeated listens. Plus, a refreshing Caribbean punch recipe is included. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Elida Almeida's 'Ora Doci Ora Marcos'

Elida Almeida
Ora Doci Ora Marcos
Lusafrica

Elida Almeida's beautiful vocals electrify the music on Ora Doci Ora Marcos. The Cape Verde-native brings us thirteen songs of inner joy for a truly enjoyable journey into the traditional, yet contemporary, music from the islands. There are plenty of acoustic guitars, piano, percussion, bass, and ethnic grooves  that combine Portuguese folk with Afro-Latin rhythms and melodies. The soulful songs are very entertaining and diverse, but always memorable--in a good way. Elida's vocals are timeless and very moving. The vocals are especially outstanding on "Nhu Santiago," "Di Mi Ku Bo," "Mar Sagrado," "Djam Nkrel Pa Mi," and others. The upbeat music of "Txiku Branku" showcases Elida's creative vocals and dance-worthy, Cape Verde-beat elements. Fans of neo-classical, folk, Latin, Portuguese, Cape Verde, Afro-Latin, and island music will love Elida's latest effort. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cesaria Evora's 'Greatest Hits'

Cesaria Evora
Greatest Hits
Lusafrica

After passing away in 2011, Cesaria Evora's music continues to be important for the people of Cape Verde, but everyone should be aware of her music. Thankfully, the folks at Lusafrica understand the importance with the release of Greatest Hits. There are twenty hits here, including one of the best songs ever to come out of Cape Verde: "Sangue De Beirona." The percussion and vocal medleys are tantalizing beyond belief. The emotive drums, strings, guitars, and wind instruments are very intriguing and representative of the country's social and cultural spirit. This is the latest review of her work since a Best Of release in 1998. Anyone familiar with Portuguese music, Cape Verdean grooves, African music, and world jazz with a Latin tinge will love Cesaria Evora's Greatest Hits. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Afrolove Kizomba Special' [2 CD]

Various Artists
Afrolove Kizomba Special [2 CD]
Lusafrica

The folks at Lusafrica understand Lusophone music inside and out. This new release, Afrolove Kizomba Special, is all the evidence anyone needs to make up their mind about the best African music release of the year. The double-disc features urban hip hop, romantic ballads, folk sounds, dance music, and Portuguese-influenced compositions with musical roots running from the Cape Verdes through West Africa and ending in the south-central regions of Angola and Congo. Some of the most catchy music is brought to us by Sekouba Bambino, Fode Baro, Meiway, Cubanito, and Oliver N'Goma. Even Cesaria Evora is featured, but it is a remix of "Regresso." At any rate, anyone interested in contemporary music from Africa would find this a must-have album without a doubt. The music is akin to Afro-zouk, Congolese rumba, and the loose-fitting term of kizomba, which encompasses all Lusophone dance musical traditions. It is nice to know this does not contain very much rap, if any, which would interrupt the accessibility of this recording to some age groups. Thankfully, it is highly-recommended to anyone with a fascination in contemporary African music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Ola Cabo Verde'

Various Artists
Ola Cabo Verde
Lusafrica

Lusafrica does it again with another stellar release. This one covers eighteen different artists from Cape Verde. There are nearly seventy-eight minutes of great, danceable music from some of the top artists in the country, including Neuza, Lura, Ze Luis, Tcheka, Boy Ge Mendes, Teofilo Chantre, among others. There is even a composition featuring the late-Cesaria Evora, alongside Lura on "Moda Bo." The music is highly-energetic and free-spirited. The combination of vocals, strings, guitars, percussion, and other instruments makes the album shimmer with musical satisfaction. The Afro-Caribbean sounds are somewhat Portuguese-inspired, along with other influences that are regional. The island country is known for morna music and other types. This album covers some of these styles and contemporary elements that are easy to assimilate and enjoy. Anyone with a passion for Cape Verde music will find Lusafrica's latest offering a 'must-have' without any reservations. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Black Bazar's 'Round 2'

Black Bazar
Round 2 [2-CD]
Lusafrica

Conceptualized by writer and producer, Alain Mabanckou in 2012, Alain incorporates guitar rhythms and melodies from Cape Verde, West Africa, and Central Africa. The upbeat songs are dance-laden and possess a wealth of instrumental ear candy. There are even Caribbean and Latin American influences, which are part of the larger African Diaspora. At any rate, Alan employs a host of guest musicians, including Ferre Gola, Soleil Wanga, Flamme Kapaya, Olivier Tshimanga, Roi David, Karashika, Wole Sentimenta, Ize Teixeira, and Tabou Combo. There are thirteen long tunes that are quite contemporary, highly-rhythmic, and purely African concoctions that are full of soul, love, and melody. Anyone familiar with giddy guitar ramblings from the heart of Africa will love it. Black Bazar includes a bonus CD that is a music video of the first album track, "Black Bazar Round 2." ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cape Verde's Neuza Releases 'Flor Di Bila'

Neuza
Flor Di Bila
Lusafrica

The music of Cape Verde is best-known with the late-Cesaria Evora, but young up-and-comers have graced stages worldwide, including Tete Alhinho, Fantcha, Lura, Mariana Ramos, and Carmen Souza. One need not ignore the sweet and beautiful voice of Neuza. The thirteen-track release represents an introspective examination of the island's rhythms and melodies, such as talaia baxo, samba, and rabolo. The breezy songs are filled with emotive sensibilities that come across quite well. The instrumental arrangements are provided by guitars, cavaquinhos, baixo, piano, gaita, orgao, sax, afuche, coros, and assorted percussion. Anyone seeking upbeat island songs in a contemporary format will love Neuza's new release. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Cape Verdean Titina Releases 'Canta B. Leza'

Titina
Canta B. Leza
Astral Music

A native of Cape Verde, Titina grew up listening to composer, poet, and activist, B. Leza. The songs on this new album represent a nearly twenty-five year gap from the original recordings. The music is as timely as ever, as Cape Verde music continues to be on the world music map--thanks to the likes of Cesaria Evora, Bau, etc. Titina presents a mix of heady island rhythms and classic pieces of musical ingeniousness on Canta B. Leza. The songs represent a mix of morna and fado music with both male and female vocals throughout. There are only seven tracks, but the last track, "Rapsodia (Medley of Mornas)," is almost eleven minutes long. Anyone familiar with the Latin, Spanish, Portuguese, and European-infused music of the Cape Verde islands will understand the significance of Titina and everything she offers here. This is a recording that should not be missed. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Calaita's 'Flamenco Son'

Calaita
Flamenco Son
Self-Release

The UK's Calaita is a flamenco group comprised of Chico Pere, Glenn Sharp, Diana Castro, Leo Paredes, and Matt Nickson. The group combines various flamenco-tinged guitars, vocals, percussion, flute and sax to create magical, whirling, and danceable melodies and rhythms that inspire and astound all who listen to it. There are various flamenco styles showcased, including alegria, tangos, seguiriya, solea, guajira, buleria, and colombiana. The music is Spanish, South American, and breezy like the Cape Verdes. There are ten compositions that are fairly vibrant, punchy, and classical. The vocals are heartfelt throughout. Anyone familiar with world fusion and flamenco will find enjoyment in the tracks of Flamenco Son. Overall, Calaita succeeds with a vibrant, high-quality release of musical ingeniousness. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carmen Souza's 'Kachupada'

Carmen Souza
Kachupada
Galileo

Cape Verde's Carmen Souza brings us an energetic mix of island rhythms and jazz melodies on Kachupada. There are thirteen songs in all, but 'My Favourite Thing' is one of those iconic odes that seems to transcend time and cultures. The fast rhythms and quick vocal tempo changes speed occasionally. However, the jazzy interludes shed some of the indigenous influences at times. Nevertheless, Carmen's voice is still young and fresh with bright elements and embellishments that keep one coming back for more. There are various vocal acrobatics that mimic some of the instrumentation. There are more indigenous elements that are not to be missed. Jazzy outros, folkish displays of fun, and complex textures make it all worth while. Fans of Cape Verde music, Portuguese music, and island rhythms will be especially enlightened by the music of Carmen Souza. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Cesaria Evora's 'Mae Carinhosa'

Cesaria Evora
Mae Carinhosa
Lusafrica

Cape Verdean songstress and music pioneer, Cesaria Evora passed away in 2011. Producer, Jose da Silva, compiled an album of previously unreleased songs that showcase a music legend. The sweet and sincere songs draw upon emotive mornas and moving coladeras. The songs are mostly guitar-driven with some marimba, percussion, piano, and string accompaniment. There are thirteen tracks, including "Sentimento," "Quem Tem Odio," "Talvez," "Mae Carinhosa," and many others. Despite the tracks' absence on other recordings, the songs tend to form a cohesive and fluid mix from start to finish. There are tracks by Pedro Rodrigues, Teofilo Chantre, Frank Cavaquinho, Jon Luz, and others. Own the last piece of Cesaria Evora's musical legacy today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ze Luis' 'Serenata'

Ze Luis
Serenata
Lusafrica



The Cape Verdean vocal and guitar songs of Ze Luis are predominantly breezy, relaxing, and soulful. There are guitars, percussion, and cavaquinho. The relatively few instruments do not detract from the vocal power of the songs. The fourteen songs represent a classy array of island rhythms and melodies that are far from being ho-hum. Serenata is Ze Luis' first album, but it is very mature with candid vocals and sincere songwriting. The arrangements are quite folksy, but a little classical influence is evident, too. Nevertheless, Serenata is a fun album with bright songs and moving melodies that capture the light and life of Cape Verdean society. Celebrate life with Ze Luis!

CD Review: Ivan Mazuze's 'Ndzuti'

Ivan Mazuze
Ndzuti
Etnisk Musikklubb

Mozambique's Ivan Mazuze is a saxophonist and composer with an academic expertise in ethnomusicology and jazzy performance side that shines throughout his latest release, Ndzuti, which means "shadow" in the ancient language of Xichangana in southern Mozambique. Ivan's jazzy repertoire contains a little Congolese and Cape Verde guitar work, Afro-Jazz leanings, and Norwegian heritage on the piano. Manou Gallo, from Ivory Coast, offers her singing talents, alongside Mali's Sidiki Camara on percussion and Cuba's Omar Sosa on piano. The light melodies, jazzy grooves, and African ambiance is plentiful and spirited. Fans of world jazz, Mozambique music, Afro-Jazz, Afro-Cuban music, and instrumental delights will find happiness in the sounds and vibes of Ivan Mazuze and his group ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Nancy Vieira's 'No Ama'

Nancy Vieira
No Ama
Lusafrica

The swaying melodies and rhythms of Cape Verde are showcased on this new exciting release of Afro-Creole culture. Nancy is a vocalist and shares the spotlight with the cavaquinho, Portuguese guitar, piano, bass guitar, flute, violin, and electric guitar throughout. The music of Teofilo Chantre, B. Leza, Mario Lucio, Amandio Cabral, and others. The smooth and folk melodies capture the musical culture of the islands with some Portuguese, Brazilian, and African elements. Nancy's vocals bring to mind a young Cesaria Evora. As a fourth album for Nancy, No Ama hits the web-stores and store shelves with a fresh and renewed presence. The light music is accessible for anyone interested in Cape Verde music, or the music of Brazil, Portugal, France, and Africa. Lyrics provided in the liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carmen Souza + Theo Pas'cal's 'London Acoustic Set'

Carmen Souza and Theo Pas'cal
London Acoustic Set
Galileo Records

Recorded in London, England in an intimate setting with limited applause, London Acoustic Set features the musicianship of vocalist, guitarist, and percussionist, Carmen Souza from Cape Verde, as well as Portuguese-born, Theo Pas'cal on bass, double bass, udo, and percussion. The duo electrifies the soundwaves, albeit 'acoustically,' with limited instrumentation and soulful, breezy vocals. Carmen's voice takes on a jazzy, pop-standard sound, which sounds a bit different from her previously-released albums. At any rate, the interplay between Theo and Carmen is quite warm and inviting. The spacious sounds and light, African melodies make London Acoustic Set a favorite for world jazz, Cape Verde, Portuguese, and improvisational music fans. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: On Breezy Shores with Cape Verde's Carmen Souza

Carmen Souza

Protegid (released 6/8/2010)

Galileo

Cape Verde's Carmen Souza brings us an inspired, soulful and relaxing set of tunes in the morna style indicative of the East-Central Atlantic region. The most striking quality of the songs is the uncanny similarity to lounge jazz pop standards. The poppy percussion, spritely vocalizations and piano playing remind one of a Latin lounge jazz club somewhere in Praia or Sao Paulo. At any rate, Cesaria Evora is the most noted singer of the morna style from Cape Verde. Though, a handful of rising stars continue the morna tradition with subtle contemporary arrangements reflecting a more global perspective. The seemingly cheery melodies are somewhat tinged with elements of sorrow and mourning, which represent a truly bluesy and jazzy feel throughout the album. Protegid is a protege for how great sounding Cape Verdean music should be made today and in the future. ~ Matthew Forss

Cesaria Evora Has Open Heart Surgery - Cancels All 2010 Performances

From Justin Byrns & Dmitri Vietze/rock paper scissors inc.

Cape Verde's Great Singer Cesaria Evora Has Open Heart Surgery and Cancels All 2010 Performances Including North American June Concerts

Cesaria Evora, the world's most famous singer from Africa's Cape Verde, had open heart surgery last night (Monday, May 10, 2010) in a Paris hospital. The surgery was in response to a coronary problem that occurred this past weekend. She was admitted to the hospital Monday morning and the surgery, which started at 8:00 p.m., concluded early this morning at 2:00 a.m. The operating surgeon reported that things went as well as possible. Cesaria was then admitted into intensive care where she awoke around 11.00 this morning. Cesaria is suspending all activities until the end of the year. As a result, June 2010 concerts in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal have been cancelled.

This week's surgery follows an amazing return by Cesaria following a stroke in April 2008. Summer 2010 was meant to mark a return to North American stages. Three months after the stroke, she was ready to start rehearsing and working on her new album, Nha Sentimento (Lusafrica). "She hates rehearsing," said producer and manager José da Silva in an interview earlier this month. "But she had a strong will to return to singing. The stroke made it harder for her to remember the words of new songs. She worked harder on this album than any other we have made," says da Silva, who is staying at Cesaria's side in the hospital. Music critics noticed that Cesaria's voice had changed on the new album, yet she retained the essence of who she is. "I think the stroke scared her and she is now open to doing more things," da Silva said before this week's heart surgery.

Nha Sentimento explores the Middle Eastern and Arab influences of Cape Verdean music and culture, territory rarely explored before. The album features collaborator and admirer Fathy Salama, a former conductor of the Cairo Orchestra known for his work with Youssou N'Dour, and who arranged three mornas on Cesaria's new album. Nha Sentimento will be re-released shortly featuring a bonus track of "Moda Bo," Cesaria's duet with Cape Verde's up-and-coming singer and starlet, Lura, considered by some to be Cesaria's heir apparent. The duet's live debut was to take place during the June North American tour, for which Lura was set to be the opening act.

Meanwhile, the world waits and hopes for a speedy and full recovery of Cape Verde's leading heroine of song, Cesaria Evora.

CD Review: Cesaria Evora

Cesaria Evora

Nha Sentimento

Lusafrica

The infatigable queen of Cape Verde music is back again with Nha Sentimento. Cesaria Evora has released countless albums over the years, and this one continues her legacy in the world of contemporary Cape Verde music. Cesaria sings primarily catchy dance-floor type songs called coladeras, while leaving her more iconic blues style (morna) on the back burner. Classic melodies, jazzy percussion, and Afro-Caribbean tones accompany Cesaria Evora's unmistakable voice. Fourteen tracks cover nostalgic songs of joy, tranquility, sadness, and optimism. Back-up vocals and earthy percussion are reminiscent of one's feet shuffling about a dance floor. Nha Sentimento is another fine selection of music from the mouth of Cesaria Evora. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Uxia's Eterno Navegar

Uxia

Eterno Navegar

World Village

Uxia (pron. 00-SHEE-a) is a heartfelt singer of fado and morna songs inspired by the Asturias region of Northern Spain, Portugal, the Azores, Cape Verde, Africa, Brazil and everywhere in-between. Eterno Navegar, which means, "Eternal Sailing", is a reflection of the musical inspiration inherent in the environment surrounding the countries and islands in the Eastern Atlantic. The entire album has a Lusophone (a.k.a. Portuguese) sound. Instrumentally, the piano, accordion, bass, trombone, cello, percussion, hurdy gurdy, and violin comprise the primary repertoire. The Cape Verdean/Portuguese guitarist and singer, Sara Tavares, lends her vocals to the mix. Overall, Eterno Navegar is an intimate and inviting journey for any listener with an interest in Lusophone music. A 56-page colored booklet in English and Portuguese includes an introduction, song titles and instrumentation, and photos. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Tcheck Out Tcheka

Tcheka

Lonji

Times Square

As of late, Cape Verde has produced some notable musicians such as, Tete Alhinho, Cesaria Evora, Lura, and Carmen Souza. Be sure to include Manuel Lopes Andrade a.k.a. Tcheka in the mix. On Lonji, Tcheka performs a modified form of batuque music with breezy, acoustic guitar stylings, Afro-Latin percussion, and Cape Verde vocals. The music is at times difficult to concretely categorize, as it takes on several nuances borrowed from African, Jazz, Latin, Portuguese, and Caribbean roots. However, it is distinctly unique and always refreshing. It is never overly-intrusive, but it does provide an entrancing and warm ambiance for any mood or occasion. If you are interested in the music of Cape Verde, then "(t)check" out Tcheka's Lonji today! Song titles and instrumentation are provided in the liner notes. ~ Matthew Forss