Cesaria Evora
, Cape Verde's "barefoot diva," has perfected her native
morna
style, and with her deep, soft-burred tenor, has gained an international audience for her
blues
-steeped laments.
Voz d'Amor
features several
mornas
, but up-tempo coladeras, as well, most notably the striking
"Velocidade,"
written by
Luis Morais
, the father of modern Cape Verdean music, which spotlights a vocal choir and a lively lyrical clarinet line. But slow-burning, sad songs are
Evora
's specialty, and there are several striking examples here, including a cover of
"Beijo Roubado,"
first recorded by Brazilian singer
Angela Maria
. The opening track,
"Isolada,"
a
's uncle, the poet
B. Leza
, features mandolin by
Hamilton de Holanda
and is perfectly suited to
's warm, honey-tinged voice. The single most striking track is the beautiful lament
"Marde Canal,"
a traditional Cape Verde melody with lyrics from
Fernando Andrade
about the beauty and treachery of the sea channel between Sao Vicente and Santo Anton.
's vocal here is sad, resigned, and wise, by turns.
is another fine collection from a remarkable singer. ~ Steve Leggett