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Concert Review
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Chicago Sun-Times, Concert Review >>
Exotic storyteller sings to our moods
REVIEW | Mariza mixes a torchy sound with a hint of an African beat, a bit of samba
It is rare to begin a review with a mention of the encore. But the song that Portuguese fado singer Mariza performed in the wake of a standing ovation Tuesday night at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance was an exceptional choice. And she brought such magic to her interpretation of it that it might just be the ideal place to start when talking about this striking and original artist -- an exotic, willowy woman with close-cropped platinum hair, an octaves-spanning voice, musical daring and easy dramatic flair.
As Mariza explained, audiences here often ask if she can sing fado -- music that takes its name from the Portuguese word for "fate" or "destiny" -- in English. And of course, as she explained with a laugh, that would not be possible. But she had found something close -- the Gershwins' "Summertime," from "Porgy and Bess." And she proceeded to give that bluesy, jazzy, quasi-operatic song a brilliant rendering.
It was the ideal topper for all that came before -- a program that featured many of the traditional songs fans of this 33-year-old international star has sung on her recordings, including her most recent, "Transparente."
Born in Mozambique, Mariza began singing at the age of 5 in her family's little Lisbon taverna, and she manages to keep the intimacy of a neighborhood spot while also reaching out directly to those in a large hall.
Although fado is often described as the Portuguese equivalent of the blues, it is more -- particularly as Mariza performs it. She is certainly in the chanson tradition of Piaf and even the more contemporary Ute Lemper. And you can hear the sure influence of an African beat, some jazz stylings, a hint of samba and even a touch of Mexican ranchero.
Mariza also is an easy mood spinner, whether offering a stirring take on "Chuva" ("Rain"), or the wildly celebratory, dance-filled "Maria Lisboa," or the gentle, childlike "Ha uma musica de povo" ("There's a song of the people..."), or the fierce, clarion cry of "Barco Negro" ("Black Boat"), or the horselike rhythms and echoes of "Cavalerio Monge" ("Monk Rider"), a song from the southwestern region of Portugal.
Mariza's bravura musicians are a show all by themselves, including Luis Guerreiro (Portuguese guitar), Antonio Neto (acoustic guitar), Vasco Sousa (acoustic bass) and Joao Pedro Ruela (percussion).
Though perhaps not as elaborate as her upcoming concert in Los Angeles (where architect Frank Gehry, a great fan, will create a taverna inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall), the Harris concert -- with Mariza resplendent in a black dress that looked folkloric with bright ribbon insets and a great jet bead necklace -- had its own allure.
--BY HEDY WEISS Theater Critic 10/18/07 >> go there
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