CD Review: Toto La Momposina's 'Tambolero'

Toto La Momposina
Tambolero
Real World

Colombia's Toto La Momposina has done for Colombia what Cesaria Evora did for the Cape Verdes--bring vibrant, traditional music to the indigenous peoples, as well as people and cultures beyond their respective country's borders. Spanning nearly sixty-years in the musical realm, Toto La Momposina brings together the ethnic influences of African, Indian, and Spanish roots for a re-imagined hour of music originally released in 1993 as La Candela Viva. My first taste of Toto La Momposina's music began in 2000 with Pacanto (World Village). The same musical styles are present, but Tambolero is more rhythmic, dynamic, and percussion-friendly. There are dance-worthy tunes throughout. The fusion of traditional South American and Latin American instrumentation and melodies makes this one stand-out from 'typical' Latin or Spanish releases. A dozen tracks grace the album with tons of traditional elements and vocal gems. There are airy flutes on "Curura" and rapid hand-claps on "Gallinacito." Other attributes include heavy percussion, poignant ballads, and mesmerizing and complex melodies--which are also quite timeless. Fans of tropical, folk, traditional Spanish, Latin, South American, and Colombian music will be fascinated by the colorful tunes of Toto La Momposina's Tambolero. ~ 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' '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

CD Review: Mariana Ramos' 'Suavidanca'

Mariana Ramos

Suavidanca

Casa Verde Productions

The Senegalese-born and Cape Verdean resident, Mariana Ramos, sings about life, love, and society on her fourth and latest album, Suavidanca. Of course, Mariana possesses a suave, vocal quality that is evidenced on anything she sings. The subtle tropical, Latin, African, and European musical influences are evidenced by her musical guests, including Benin's Angelique Kidjo on "Nzinga Mbandi" and another Cape Verdean, Jorge Humberto on "Discunfiado." The faster rhythms of "Beleza" is sure to heat up any cold night. Mariana sings in languages that are influenced by Portuguese, Creole, and French. The musical styles native to Cape Verde include coladeira, batucu, funana, morna, and mazurca, with other sounds borrowed from Latin America and Afro-Latin variaitons. There are quieter moments, as in "Discunfiado" and "Irmon," but that does not make them forgettable. As expected there are some comparisons to Cesaria Evora, but they are mainly instrumental and not vocal. The instrumentation is fuller than most Cape Verdean recordings and this one is no exception. If you are seeking sun, songs, and some relaxation, then Suavidanca is a perfect Spring Break getaway...all year-round! ~ 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: 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