With her haunting singing style--a zesty Luso-African mélange of Bessie Smith and Billie Holliday--the Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora put the moving and melancholy musical genre called morna on the map with her... more » critically acclaimed recordings Miss Perfumado and Cafe Atlantico. São Vicente is named for Evora's island homeland and is augmented with percussion, rhythm section, strings, and horns. Evora's songs of love and longing range from the classy midtempo strains of "São Vicente Di Longe" and the carnival dances of "Nutridinha" to the beautiful piano/vocal duet "Negue" with Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés. She also swings the Cuban danzon/cha cha cha on "Lindo Mimosa" with the celebrated Cuban group Orquesta Aragon. The singer rocks with R&B handclaps on "Hommen Na Meio Di' Homen" and testifies on the gospel-influenced "Bondade e Maldade." Her duets with Brazilian Caetano Veloso on "Tiempo y Silencio" and "Regresso," and with American legend Bonnie Raitt, add more flavors to this tasty musical dish. --Eugene Holley Jr.« less
With her haunting singing style--a zesty Luso-African mélange of Bessie Smith and Billie Holliday--the Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora put the moving and melancholy musical genre called morna on the map with her critically acclaimed recordings Miss Perfumado and Cafe Atlantico. São Vicente is named for Evora's island homeland and is augmented with percussion, rhythm section, strings, and horns. Evora's songs of love and longing range from the classy midtempo strains of "São Vicente Di Longe" and the carnival dances of "Nutridinha" to the beautiful piano/vocal duet "Negue" with Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés. She also swings the Cuban danzon/cha cha cha on "Lindo Mimosa" with the celebrated Cuban group Orquesta Aragon. The singer rocks with R&B handclaps on "Hommen Na Meio Di' Homen" and testifies on the gospel-influenced "Bondade e Maldade." Her duets with Brazilian Caetano Veloso on "Tiempo y Silencio" and "Regresso," and with American legend Bonnie Raitt, add more flavors to this tasty musical dish. --Eugene Holley Jr.
"Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!
"
Just Perfect Evora and Crew
Danusha Goska | Bloomington, IN | 01/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an exceptional CD. It's rare that I listen to an entire CD and feel delight at every track. I don't much like Bonnie Raitt, and I like even her duet with Evora on this CD.
The feeling is of warmth, of the tropics; the rhythms are those typical of the trans-Atlantic Portugese musical world, from Portugal, to Cape Verde, to Brazil.
The music is unfailingly sweet and soothing; it caresses you. It is likable music. I think I'd feel comfortable giving this CD as a gift to a friend whose tastes I'm not quite sure of. But "Sao Vicente" is never shallow or cloying; this deceptively quiet music is passionate, intense, and true.
The virtuosity of every aspect of the CD is satisfying. Cesaria Evora is, of course, every bit the powerful pro, and every other performer on the CD is in her class.
There's only one thing I don't like about this CD ... it eventually ends. I could listen to its music for many hours more."
Sao Vicente
T. Togwe | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | 11/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Exquisite
B. A. Schultz | North Idaho USA | 03/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cesaria Evora has a voice like plush velvet.The songs are a totally unique mixture of Latin/African tempo and subject matter."