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CD review
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Seattle Weekly, CD review >>
MARIZA
Fado Curvo
(Times Square)
Second helping from fresh-faced European folkster.
Portuguese fado, a plaintive, emotive music, has undergone a renaissance in the last few years. A young crop of fadistas (female fado singers) has come of age, displaying both a wealth of ability and a willingness to push the boundaries of the tradition. With her sophomore album, Mariza joins the elite of this new generation, establishing herself as the heir to legendary fado queen Amália Rodrigues. Throughout the disc, the young Mariza proves she's learned when to hold back (the understated "O Silêncio da Guitarra") and when to go full-throttle (the lung-busting "Vielas de Alfama"). "Retrato" employs piano and cello (instruments not in the standard fado arsenal) for a chamber effect, while the title cut and "Entre O Rio e a Razão" offers sprightly, smiling contrast to the disc's pervasive mood of sadness. The real revelation, though, is Mariza's growth as an artist since her debut; last year's Fado em Mim garnered plenty of plaudits, but often felt tentative. This time there's a confidence and power in her voice, marking her as a diva who's finally arrived; listen to the way she handles the tricky, jazz-flecked "O Deserto," with both sensitivity and certainty. Fado Curvo ultimately proves Mariza a rare talent that's just beginning to bloom. CHRIS NICKSON 05/28/03 >> go there
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