In fadista black, she looks like a pint of Guinness, and this is indeed pure genius.

A SHOO-IN for the end of the year polls, the second album from Lisbon's unheralded fado super-star surprises only in that it's every bit as focused and demanding as her debut.  Since her elevation to divadom, Mariza has been combing books of Portuguese poetry looking for material for new songs: the finest are here, changing the emphasis from Amalia Rodrigues covers new songs, thus claiming fado territory for herself.  There is one Amalia song, but Mariza rips her heart out so convincingly on Primavera that there's barley any need to mention the source material.  The singing is inspired, regardless of language, the musicianship wonderful.  No reason why this won't be but the second step on the road to global domination, especially now she has major label backing.

David Hutcheon