Santa Rosa Weekly, Destiney's Child >>
With striking good looks and an easy command of jazz and blues, 29-year-old Mozambique fado singer Mariza is quickly becoming one of the hottest acts on the world music scene. Fado (the word means "destiny" in Portuguese) was born 200 ago in the brothels and bars of Lisbon. It is sung in Portuguese, but you don't need a Berlitz guide to navigate your way around these urban folk songs when Mariza sings. "They all stand on emotions," she has said in her songs. "Fado is an emotional kind of music full of passion, sorrow, jealousy, grief, and, often satire." Her 2001 debut, Fado em Mim, paid homage to fado queen Amalia Rodrigues, sold 300,000 copies and drew rave reviews. It also earned two nominations for BBC's 2003 Awards for World Music. Her new release Fado Curvo, is filled with songs of fathomless sorrow. Mariza performs on Sunday, April 4, at the Osher Mrin Jewish Community Center (200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 5pm. $22-$27. 415.444.8000); and Tuesday, April 6, at Napa Valley Opera House (1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $15-$40. 707-226-7372). 03/31/04
|
