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: 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