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A number of great voices recently have emerged from Portugal. Singing the soulful fado, which means "fate," these singers represent the first generation to emerge from the shadow of the late Amlia Rodrigues.
Contemporary fadistas aim at reinvigorating the genre with infusions of modern poetry, atypical instruments and foreign musical idioms. However, the voice, accompanied by Portuguese guitar, remains the core of fado. Mariza, in "Fado em mim," her debut album, demonstrates that she understands this crucial element.
Her singing is tremendous, balancing between emotionalism and controlled restraint. The accompanists are masterful in supporting her phrasing and subtle nuances. "Fado em mim" is a powerful album from a promising young singer.
--Pete Flowers 12/27/03
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