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CD review
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Washington Post, CD review >>
It's not necessary to be familiar with the history of fado, Portugal's deep wellspring of blues music, to succumb to the beauty and power of Mariza's voice -- a dark, rich, commanding contralto. Even in a pop world crowded with swiftly anointed, big-lung divas, this Mozambique-born, Lisbon-bred singer stands out by virtue of her huge sound and heart-wrenching soulfulness.
Granted, Mariza's signature platinum blond cornrows and haute couture "fadista" wardrobe also make it unlikely that you'd lose sight of her from miles away. But as her new CD "Fado Curvo" dramatically demonstrates, her voice is a truly spectacular instrument, capable of expressing the kind of sorrow, longing and passion that instantly renders language barriers moot.
Widely hailed as an heir to the crown worn by late fado queen Amalia Rodrigues, Mariza pays homage to her on "Fado Curvo" by including a fervent reprise of "Primavera," a ballad that is far less sunny ("How I wish, how we wish / To have died that day") than its title suggests. Most of the album, however, is devoted to Portuguese poems that have recently become an essential part of Mariza's repertoire. The melancholic musings are arranged in both traditional and contemporary fashion, with "The Silence of the Guitar" setting the mood for the great sadness ("Caravels") and unquenchable desire ("Portrait") to follow. Complete with English translations in the liner notes, "Fado Curvo" is certain to bring Mariza the cross-cultural attention she deserves.
-- Mike Joyce
Appearing Monday at the Birchmere. . To hear a free Sound Bite from Mariza, call Post-Haste at 202-334-9000 and press 8126. (Prince William residents, call 703-690-4110.) 07/18/03 >> go there
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