Cesaria

Amazon.com essential recording
Cesaria Evora, a Cape Verdean with a rich alto voice, has been described as a cross between Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday. It wasn't until 1988, though, that Evora traveled to Paris to record. Her fourth album, 1992's Miss Perfumado, made her a major star in France and Portugal. Her 1994 album, Cesaria Evora, duplicated that triumph, and it's this latter recording that has become her first U.S. release. Evora, celebrated in Europe as the "Barefoot Diva," is now 52, but she is still able to give every word a breathy intimacy even as she fills it with a pitch-perfect, full-toned resonance. Drawing on the work of top Cape Verdean songwriters Nando Da Cruz, Amandio Cabral, and Manuel De Novas, she sings in Criuolo, a Creole variation of Portuguese. As in Brazil, another former Portuguese colony with a strong African influence, Cape Verde has produced a music that is light and airy even as it incorporates African rhythms and quartertones. The morna possesses the low-key tunefulness of an equatorial cabaret music, but Evora's vocals impart a world-weary gravity to these tales of homesickness and doomed love. --Geoffrey Himes

Cesaria,Césaria Évora,RCA,Africa,Cape Verde,Fado,Int'l & World Music,Morna,Pop,South America / Cape Verde,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: Amongst the best African influenced music What a swing! Delicious Rhythms Her best

Cafe Atlantico Césaria Évora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Very Best of Cesaria Evora São Vicente Miss Perfumado Voz D'Amor Rogamar ASIN: B00000JMG1 Release Date: 1999-05-06

Tracks:

1. Flor Di Nha Esperanca
2. Vaquinha Mansa
3. Amor Di Mundo
4. Paraiso Di Atlantico
5. Sorte
6. Carnaval De Sao Vicente
7. Desilusao Dum Amdjer
8. Nho Antone Escaderode
9. Beijo De Longe
10. Roma Criola
11. Perseguida
12. Maria Elena
13. Cabo Verde Manda Mantenha
14. Terezinha

Amazon.com's Best of 1999

After having covered the sensual nightclub material of Miss Perfumado and Cesaria Evora, Evora left us wondering where she could possibly go next. She returned with Café Atlantico, blowing us away with her luscious voice and widened repertoire of Brazilian- and Cuban-influenced music. With touches of string accompaniment, Evora's music dances with light energy and woos with the classic morna sound, leaving us to ponder what amazing music she'll master on her next album. --Karen K. Hugg

Amazon.com

Unlike Mar Azul or earlier releases Miss Perfumado and Cesaria Evora, which were largely collections of the Portuguese-influenced song form called morna, Café Atlantico finds Evora singing Cuban and Brazilian traditionals. Evora's voice is as smooth as ever, but it's a little odd to hear her croon to a bolero or danzon. Still, the connection fits snugly as this release is a tribute to Evora's hometown of Mindelo, a port on the Cape Verdean island of São Vicente where sailors from Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, and the Caribbean cross-pollinated the music of Cape Verde. On Café Atlantico Evora croons with her usual beauty, poise, and melancholia. Thankfully, instrumental accompaniment again includes the piano and acoustic guitar and bass, but with the flavorful addition of light (and only occasional) orchestral accompaniment, which highlights the creamy richness of this lovely Latin music. Café Atlantico takes a tasteful, innovative step in broadening Evora's repertoire, and its plaintive grace and relaxed romanticism emphasizes what the world has now come to realize: Cesaria Evora is the greatest living singer of our time. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Amongst the best.......2007-02-26

This lady has an awesome voice, no wonder they call her the barefoot opera singer. Cesaria could actually move you with just her voice and without the music. She is one of my favo rite singers. Relaxing and moving you will never get tired of this cd and will entertain you for years to come.

African influenced music.......2005-12-30

This cd is magnificient. It shows how much Africa has played a part in Latin music today. I especially love track number 3. Hope everyonce checks out this cd.

What a swing!.......2004-04-17

This is a great CD. I learned about Cesaria Evora in a television documentary and ordered the CD from Amazon. We are still tapping our feet and swinging to African Samba and ballads!

If you like Samba and a melodious African air, this is for you. Evora's voice is deep and sensous. A new listening experience.

Delicious Rhythms.......2003-11-09

Evora has a beautifully intense, direct vocal style and an ability to merge with rhythms both slow and fast. In Cafe Atlantico she sings a range of material from slow, lamenting love songs to samba-speed chants, all exciting and absorbing. The sequence and sound quality make this a thoroughly enjoyable compilation, leaving the listener wanting more.

Her best.......2003-08-14

Beautiful - you don't need to know what she is saying. One of those CDs that you can listen to forever. We have lost it twice now, and replaced it.

Average customer rating: Great to listen to. Superb! A MUST Have for Collectors! Be careful! Amazing !SENTIMIENTO PURO!

The Very Best of Cesaria Evora Césaria Évora , and Cesaria Evora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Voz D'Amor Rogamar Miss Perfumado São Vicente ASIN: B00006F2N7 Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. Sodade (Remix)
2. Fala Pa Fala (Remix)
3. Carnaval De Sao Vicente
4. Crepescular Solidao
5. Cize
6. Petit Pays
7. Tchintchirote
8. Angola
9. Vida Tem Um So Vida
10. Bondade E Maldade
11. Sangue De Beirona
12. Flor Di Nha Esperanca
13. Lua Nha Testemunha
14. Esperanca Irisada
15. Nho Antone Escaderode
16. Fidjo Maguado (Remix)
17. Embarcacao (with Kayah)

Customer Reviews:

Great to listen to........2007-03-19

I have enjoyed this cd very much. I play it all the time. If you never have heard her before, this is a good best of all cd. She has a wonderful and exotic voice.

Superb! A MUST Have for Collectors!.......2006-11-10

This is easily one of my favorite latin music collections. No fillers; every song is soulful and stirring. You will NOT be disappointed!

Be careful!.......2005-08-30

Good music, indeed, but be careful. I would recommed her "Anthologie: Mornas & Coladeras" (double CD) better.

Amazing.......2005-07-27

This compilation of Cesaria's songs brings many successes of her most famous CD's, such as Cafe Atlantico. Her voice is just amazing and with the rythmin makes you feel as if you were on one of those beaches of Cape Verde. This is more than recommended, specially for the ones that are planning to buy the first CD of this singer.

!SENTIMIENTO PURO!.......2005-05-17

Cesaria delivers, conquers, enchants... she's just inspiring. If anything comes aout of this CD is the realization that you must hear her live. For for the unfortunate of us who have not had such opportunity, this compilation is a wonderful way of getting to know great singing.

Average customer rating: disappointing Rogamar Africa minha, Africa nossa

Rogamar Césaria Évora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Voz D'Amor Cafe Atlantico Balancê The Very Best of Cesaria Evora Miss Perfumado ASIN: B000EBGEZA Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

1. Sombras Di Distino
2. Um Pincelada
3. Avenida Marginal
4. Africa Nossa
5. Tiche
6. Sao Toma Equador
7. Rogamar
8. Amor E Mar
9. Modje Trofel
10. Rosie
11. Travessa De Peixeira
12. Mas Um Sonho
13. Mar Nah Confidente
14. Saiona D'Vinte Ano
15. Vaga Lenta

Customer Reviews:

disappointing.......2007-04-10

Somehow not up to her earlier work. The instrumental accompaniment is good, but tends to dominate at the expense of Cesaria's voice and the songs don't strike me as particularly memorable. One reviewer said this was perhaps the best thing she's done. If so, I just don't see it. I was disiappointed and found myself wondering if maybe her best days are behind her. I hope not.

Rogamar.......2006-03-27

An extraordinary CD. Her voice is smoother than ever. Nice mix of Cape Verdian music, Brazilian carnaval and some French traditional raconteur music.

Africa minha, Africa nossa.......2006-03-26

Cesaria is back with her brand new album "Rogamar" - (Prayer to the sea).
Well, it's like a tradition... every two years there is a new Cesaria album and she is on a tour almost every year. And that really is something... "Rogamar" (www.rogamar.com) is her tenth album and if you are a fan of Cesaria you will find some songs very similar to older Cesaria songs... like you heard them somewhere before.
But if you aren't a fan of Cesaria (what are you waiting for?!:), this album is a good way to start likeing her. But maybe not the best. (in my opinion Sao Vicente or Cafe Atlantico are her best albums; but also check out the Anthology).
My favorite songs on the album are:
Africa Nossa - definietly the best song on the album. Very nice melody and great duo with a Senegal singer Ismaël Lô. Probably to become one of her classics. First single from the album.
Sombras Di Distino - beautiful ballad, very similiar to Cesaria's older ballads.
Um Pincelada - very nice song... again ballad but very beautiful song. Nice melody. Second single from the album.
Avenida Marginal - up tempo song. Great rythm.
Rogamar - nice song. Very nice melody.
Rosie - mid tempo song. Well I find this song a little bit different that other Cesaria songs. But I like it!
Mas Um Sonho - nice up tempo song. Feel good (Carnaval) song!
Travessa De Peixeira, Saiona D'Vinte Ano - also good songs.
Well, it seems that Cesaria just can't do wrong... very good album, great songs (Africa Nossa, Sombras Di Distino, Um Pincelada), nice melodies, many emotions and one, great unique voice. Cesaria. One and only.

My album rating (overall): 4.5/5

Average customer rating: International star Cesaria will always be 5 stars! My Goodness Cesaria... Voz d'Amor, a deep and hanging album Gorgeous!

Voz D'Amor Cesaria Evora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Rogamar Cabo Verde The Very Best of Cesaria Evora São Vicente ASIN: B0000APHOT Release Date: 2003-09-18

Tracks:

1. Isolada
2. Velocidade
3. Amdjer De Nos Terra
4. Beijo Roubado
5. Djarmai Di Meu
6. Monte Cara
7. Ramboia
8. Jardim Prometido
9. Nha Coracao Tchora
10. Saia Travada
11. Pomba
12. Mar De Canal
13. Milca Ti Lidia
14. Voz D'Amor

Amazon.com

Cape Verde is famous for its Afro-Portuguese-inlfluenced music genres: the haunting guitar-based morna and the percussive Cuba- and Brazil-influenced coladeras. Ever since her "discovery" in 1998, vocalist Cesaria Evora, the so-called "Barefoot Diva," has been her country's greatest musical ambassor. This recording features Evora interpreting old and new Cape Verdean and Brazilian songs. Under the expert leadership of her musical director, pianist Fernado Andrade, Evora's rich contralto is beautifully supported by guitars, the ukelele-like cavaquinho, mandolin, strings, clarinet, and percussion. Like Billie Holiday, Evora can inject a lyric with pathos and passion. That rare gift is heard on the mid-tempo "Isoloada" ("Isolated"), an aching song about a beautiful, imprisoned mulatto girl, written by Evora's poet uncle, B. Leza, and the equally heart-wrenching "Amdjer De Nos Terra" ("Woman of Our Land"), which tells of the suffering of Cape Verdean women. The upbeat tracks include the sax-laced, vocal choired, "Pomba" ("The Dove")and Luis Morais's "Velocidade" ("Velocity"). "Jardim Prometido" ("Promised Garden") is a nice take on the American standard "Greenfields" by another Cape Verdean composer, Teofilo Chantre. The title track features Evora in pan-African fellowship with musicians from Cuba, Brazil, and Madagascar, showing that the music of her homeland has something for everyone. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

International star.......2007-01-09

I have loved a lot of voices from far away Countries for long time:Brazil,Portugal,Senegal;they were stars nationally and internationnally.
Recently I bought Cesaria Evora under the recommendation of a cuban Doctor;I hoped to find some of the rythm I used to swing on in my head.
It did not happen for me!

Cesaria will always be 5 stars!.......2005-07-27

This was the second CD I bought and got a 3rd one within less than a month. I don't believe it is possible to say which is her best disc, or song. The songs bring all of Cape Verde's culture and the mellodies certainly garantee very peacefull and relaxing moments. There's much more to explore and if you ask me I would say, buy all the CD's!

My Goodness Cesaria..........2004-08-06

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

Voz d'Amor, a deep and hanging album.......2004-01-08

Always equalizes with herself, Cesaria Evora did not lose anything of her voice. This new album proves how much her repertory is single. A team of musicians except par. Lyrics and compositions quite elaborate. The ambassadress of the music of Cape Verde does not have the gift to weary. But well rather to attract more people in search of "ever heard". Of the 14 titles of this disc, one cannot have preference. Let you go and you will not stop listening to the disc. So much it is deep and hanging.

Gorgeous!.......2003-10-17

I picked this CD up at a local bookstore while actually browsing the classical section. The moment I heard this voice, I was mesmerized! Subtle and passionate, extremely well projected, this voice goes straight to the listener's heart. In classical terms, such a voice can safely be called a contralto, a rare breed, but it's not artificially dark and the singer does not push it at all; she is making the voice gently float and "wrap" the audience.
The program encompasses some Brazilian songs along with many songs from Evora's native Cape Verde. The latter is a lovely fusion of Cuban, African, and Portuguese influences along with something extremely moving and unique that this listener can't quite explain, but one will immediately identify it once familiar with it. The selections nicely move from mournful to joyous, thereby eliminating any "sameness" that's so common with "native music" recordings. They also showcase Evora's marvelous talent to convey a wide range of feelings with a few simple musical gestures. Interestingly, the fact that the recording was made in Paris somehow contributed as well -- the music does carry a vague "chansonette" feel. The supporting musicians are brilliant, they're all literally on the same page with Evora with every expression.
The booklet includes the lyrics and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the poetry. It's all of the highest caliber. B. Leza's wonderful verse has to gain wider exposure.
Do not delay getting this album, for it will bring you over an hour of pure unadulterated musical bliss.

Average customer rating: Uplifting sounds from Cape Verde Beautiful, Captivating, Lovely...indescribable...oih! An Afro-Portuguese Sound & A Silk-Smooth Voice. What a captivating voice Stories from the sea, stories from Carbo Verde

Cabo Verde Césaria Évora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Miss Perfumado Voz D'Amor São Vicente Cesaria ASIN: B000066NWG Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Tchintchirote
2. Sabine Larga'm
3. Partida
4. Sangue De Beirona
5. Apocalipse
6. Mar E Morada De Sodade
7. Bo E Di Meu Cretcheu
8. Coragem Irmon
9. Quem Bo E
10. Regresso
11. Zebra
12. Mae Velha
13. Pe Di Boi
14. Ess Pais

Amazon.com essential recording

Like Ireland, Cape Verde is a former island colony which has perennially lost its young people to emigration. And like its Irish counterpart, Verdean music is filled with songs of separation and homesickness. Cesaria Evora, the greatest Verdean singer of her generation, includes several of those songs on Cabo Verde, her sixth album overall but only her second release in the U.S.

With a population descended from former Portuguese colonialists and former African slaves, Cape Verde closely resembles Brazil and has produced a music with similar rippling syncopation and light, sensual vocals, though the Verdean sound is marked by the breezy lilt characteristic of islands. But when Evora sings mournfully of a "Partida" (departure) that will take her love far away, anyone who has ever experienced such a separation will recognize the mix of pain and affection in her voice. That voice is a very special instrument, for it glides gracefully over the supple beat even as it resounds deeply in Evora's lower range and fills up with warm, enveloping resonance. She is backed by a small, all-acoustic Verdean combo led by the ukulele-like, four-string cavaquinho. American jazz great James Carter plays tenor saxophone on "Coragem Irmon," but Evora has no problem matching his thick, buttery tone. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Uplifting sounds from Cape Verde.......2004-10-29

On this album, Cape Verde's greatest export to the world delivers another exquisite collection of mournful and yearning songs in her moving, bluesy voice. She sings in creolised Portuguese and the style (morna) is a mix of the Portuguese fado and African rhythms. Although Cape Verde lies just off the West African coast, this style has little in common with the mainland sounds from countries like Senegal or Mali. The instrumental mix includes guitars, the special rhythm guitar called cavaquino and even a clarinet to create an engaging polyrhythmic backing for Cesaria's graceful vocal style. Strangely, the sad songs have an uplifting effect on the spirit. Of the slower songs, my favourites are Ess Pais and Zebra, whilst the funkiest uptempo numbers are Quem Bo and Mae Velha. The track Pe Di Boi includes a lovely whistling interlude. The foot tapping dance track Sangue de Beirona is equally inspiring. This is an excellent album by one of the greatest artists in World Music today.

Beautiful, Captivating, Lovely...indescribable...oih!.......2004-08-06

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

An Afro-Portuguese Sound & A Silk-Smooth Voice........2003-07-05

I was sailing with some friends on an incredible trip to Africa, and we stopped briefly at the small island of Cabo Verde. I had never heard of Cesaria Evora before. I had really never heard much about Cabo Verde before this trip. In a small music/souvenier shop near the port, I heard this CD playing. I was hooked immediately. I bought a CD for myself and several for friends back home, and have never been more delighted with a chance find. My friends are still thanking me.

Cabo Verde was colonized by the Portuguese, and the combination of the African and Portuguese cultures makes for some fabulous music - a little similar to sounds from Brazil. The music on this CD is a combination of the 'fado' from Portugal, mixed with the Brazilian ballad-like 'choro,' and soulful 'forros,' along with Cape Verde's own particular island sound. There is no better way to understand this wonderful, nuanced music than to listen to it. And Ms. Evora, herself, plays her voice and makes a music that is very much her own.

The nostalgic "Partida," "Mar e Morada de Soledad," and "Ess Pais," are sung with a sadness and longing that evoke much emotion. Other cuts, like "Tchintchirote," and "Sangue de Beirona" make me want to just get up and dance to the Oh So Sensual Beat! It is Ms. Evora's soft, silky-smooth, engaging voice that is so special. She is backed by strings - the guitar and an instrument called the 'cavaquinho'- but the rhythms are pure island. A terrific CD! You will enjoy it!

What a captivating voice.......2002-06-18

CABO VERDE is a great album for fans of world music. CESARIA EVORA has such a captivating voice, that the listener will be unable to stop listening to it. The songs are beautifully sung, with great melodies that makes this the perfect album to just lie back and listen to. When I listen to it, I feel like I am being trasported to another land. The songs are filled with emotion that the listener will be able to feel. Every song that is on this album is great, I cant find any songs here that I dont like. I first heard of CESARIA EVORA when I purchased CAFE ATLANTICO, which is another album that I highly recommend. I just love her voice and the emotion that pours out of her. This is a great addition to any music collection.

Stories from the sea, stories from Carbo Verde.......2001-08-18

Cesaria Evora is fantastik. She has a beautiful voice and her lyrics are sad but good. This woman is like coffee, you just can't stop drinking, and you just can't stop listing to her. Cesaria Is a truly Diva. ( Cesaria doesn't sounds like Billy Holiday, but more like Tracy Chapman.

Average customer rating: Warm, honeyed voice the exquisite soul of morna Lovely WOW! INCREDIBLE Good Music From A Powerful Voice

Miss Perfumado Cesaria Evora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Cabo Verde Voz D'Amor Mar Azul São Vicente ASIN: B000066NWC Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Sodade
2. Bia
3. Cumpade Ciznone
4. Direito Di Nasce
5. Luz Dum Estrela
6. Angola
7. Miss Perfumado
8. Vida Tem Um So Vida
9. Morabeza
10. Recordai
11. Lua Nha Testemunha
12. Barbinco
13. Tortura

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Cesaria Evora asked heartache to come in and set a spell. The morna, the slow, rhythmically balladic blend of African blues and the Portuguese fado, was the perfect medium. Released in 1998 in the United States, this 1992 album about nostalgia, longing, hit-and-run lovers, and the sea features titles like "Barbincour" ("The Conman") and "Torura" ("Torture"). Not the least of Evora's magical appeal is that her smooth, honey-rich vocals suggest a universe of passion and pain with nary a spasm of self-pity to break the spell. --Elena Oumano

Amazon.com essential recording

Like Billie Holiday, the Cape Verdean queen of morna--a slow, rhythmically balladic blend of African blues and the Portuguese fado--asked heartache to come in and set a spell. In fact, trouble and Cesaria Evora are longtime soulmates. This 1992 album (released in the U.S. in 1998) about nostalgia, longing, hit-and-run lovers, and the sea features titles like "Barbincour" ("The Conman") and "Torura" ("Torture"). It went gold in France, transforming the plump grandma diva of her West African island's beachside canteens into a world-music icon. Not the least of Evora's magical appeal is that those smooth, honey-rich vocals suggest a universe of passion and pain, with nary a spasm of self-pity to break the spell. --Elena Oumano

Customer Reviews:

Warm, honeyed voice.......2007-05-13

Cesaria Evora does some of her finest work here. Those who are familiar with her other recordings will recognize the minor-key modes and yearning quality typical of her style. The instrumental arrangements are intimate, not overwhelming, and always complement her inimitable voice. That said, after purchasing three of her CDs, I feel that I've exhausted this repertoire -- there is quite a bit of melodic and harmonic similarity among them -- and don't feel inclined to own a library of her work. For those who are new to Ms. Evora, this recording would provide a lovely introduction and summation of her art.

the exquisite soul of morna.......2005-03-08

Cesaria Evora is one of the great stars of world music, and this CD is on many lists as an "essential recording" in this genre. Born in 1941 in Sao Vicente (Cape Verde Islands), Cesaria has known the toughest of times in her youth, and was a mature woman before reaching the recognition she so richly deserved. "Mis Perfumado" was recorded in 1992, and is one of her very finest albums; with her soft, warm honey voice, and a heart well acquainted with the sorrow of lost love, she is undoubtedly the quintessential interpreter of "morna", a style of song reminiscent of the Portuguese fado combined with the rhythms of West Africa.

The songs on this CD are lilting, melodic gems, most with a nice slow swing to them, with a few that are more up-tempo, like tracks # 3, 10, and the fabulous "Angola" (# 6), which is my favorite number on the CD.
Four of the tracks (# 2, 7, 9, 11) were written by Cesaria's prolific uncle Francisco (better known as B. Leza), as well as three by one of Francisco's followers, Manuel de Novas (# 3, 4, 12). The musicianship is marvelous throughout this recording, and a lot of the world-wide success of this CD is owed to the masterful arrangements and piano artistry of Paulino Viera, whose solos add much to the beauty of the music, as does the haunting violin playing by Malaquias Costa featured in the final "Tortura".
A good place to start your Cesaria Evora collection, the sound is quite good and total playing time is 59'29.

Lovely.......2003-04-17

From half a dozen of her records I've purchased so far this is one of the best, well, after "Cesaria". She is fenomenal and is adorable as usual, although the accompaniment at times is not quite of the same class.

WOW! INCREDIBLE.......2000-07-05

A voice has never moved me as much as cesaria has. Her voice is so seductive and passionate that it takes your mind to another place. Her other albums are great, but this is the best. a definite must hear and must have for any collection

Good Music From A Powerful Voice.......2000-06-22

You get the idea at times that there is hundreds of years of heartache and emotion bottled up inside Cesario and she truly does have a great voice and a great sound all around. This CD is a pretty good collection of just heartfelt sounds that truly touch your heart. My biggest problem with it is that it all seems to play off a similar emotion and by the end of the CD I feel like I've been listening to very similar stylings all along. Overall though a very decent piece of work from this powerful voice.

Average customer rating: exquisite Beautiful Sao Vicente Just Perfect Evora and Crew Off the charts!

São Vicente Césaria Évora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Africa | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Voz D'Amor Cabo Verde Miss Perfumado Rogamar ASIN: B00005B9U7 Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. Sao Vicente di Longe
2. Homem Na Meio Di' Homem
3. Tiempo Y Silencio
4. Sabor De Pecado
5. Dor Di Amor
6. Nutridinha
7. Regresso
8. Esperanca Irisada
9. Ponta De Fi
10. Crepuscular Solidao
11. Linda Mimosa
12. Negue
13. Bondade E Maldade
14. Fada
15. Pic Nic Salamansa

Product Description

Thunderstorm. Experience the rapture of nature's own symphony, the celestial sounds of the thunderstorm. The night sky lights up, the rain begins to fall, and you slowly drift into a sense of peace, sell-bing and total relaxation.

Amazon.com

With her haunting singing style--a zesty Luso-African mélange of Bessie Smith and Billie Holliday--the Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora put the moving and melancholy musical genre called morna on the map with her critically acclaimed recordings Miss Perfumado and Cafe Atlantico. São Vicente is named for Evora's island homeland and is augmented with percussion, rhythm section, strings, and horns. Evora's songs of love and longing range from the classy midtempo strains of "São Vicente Di Longe" and the carnival dances of "Nutridinha" to the beautiful piano/vocal duet "Negue" with Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés. She also swings the Cuban danzon/cha cha cha on "Lindo Mimosa" with the celebrated Cuban group Orquesta Aragon. The singer rocks with R&B handclaps on "Hommen Na Meio Di' Homen" and testifies on the gospel-influenced "Bondade e Maldade." Her duets with Brazilian Caetano Veloso on "Tiempo y Silencio" and "Regresso," and with American legend Bonnie Raitt, add more flavors to this tasty musical dish. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

exquisite.......2006-03-08

Cesaria Evora has a voice like plush velvet.The songs are a totally unique mixture of Latin/African tempo and subject matter.

Beautiful.......2006-02-28

I saw Cesaria at the concert last year and I am also going to see her live this year. It was a really wonderful experience to hear her live. Such a unique and lovely voice.
"Sao Vicente" (or "Sao Vicente Di Longe" is called European version)is my favorite Cesaria album. Beautiful melodies which reminds of tropical islands in the summer... an album for relaxation. A masterpiece! Favorite songs on the album:
1. Sao Vicente Di Longe - my favorite song on the album. Amazing melody!! This really is a song which will take you to another place... sunny place near the ocean...
2. Dor Di Amor - Wow! I really like this song. What a rythm... All kinds of instruments are represented here. Very very good song.
3. Nutridinha - This one was a single... Very catchy and very tropical song... Great rythm.
4. Tiempo Y Silencio - Very nice ballad. Duet with Pedro Guerra. Really nice melody.
5. Bondade E Maldade - Great and very catchy.
Esperancia Irisada, Sabor De Pecado, Ponta De Fi, Pic Nic Na Salamansa, Regresso - these are also great song on the album. Really beautiful.
Great voice and great songs which can really take you to another place... somewhere far far away where sun is shining all the time...

Sao Vicente.......2005-11-11

Yes. Yes! There is an amazing effortlessness in the music, that transports you to some tranquil sad, happy, carefree state. The Cape Verdean Cesaria Evora once again delivers a rich blend of nostalgic African rhythms. These songs evoke a longing, a longing for a love, a longing for home, a longing for an unknown feeling.

Just Perfect Evora and Crew .......2005-01-13

This is an exceptional CD. It's rare that I listen to an entire CD and feel delight at every track. I don't much like Bonnie Raitt, and I like even her duet with Evora on this CD.

The feeling is of warmth, of the tropics; the rhythms are those typical of the trans-Atlantic Portugese musical world, from Portugal, to Cape Verde, to Brazil.

The music is unfailingly sweet and soothing; it caresses you. It is likable music. I think I'd feel comfortable giving this CD as a gift to a friend whose tastes I'm not quite sure of. But "Sao Vicente" is never shallow or cloying; this deceptively quiet music is passionate, intense, and true.

The virtuosity of every aspect of the CD is satisfying. Cesaria Evora is, of course, every bit the powerful pro, and every other performer on the CD is in her class.

There's only one thing I don't like about this CD ... it eventually ends. I could listen to its music for many hours more.

Off the charts!.......2004-08-08

Oh how I love Cesaria! As always when I visit Barnes & Nobles I go to the International music section. As my eyes scanned the wide selection of world music, Cesaria's face stood out. This woman reminds of Celia Cruz -love her too, may her soul rest in peace -I said to myself and I bet she's a wonderful singer. All I needed to hear was the song "Sodade" and that was it. I fell in love with Cesaria's music. Like Celia Cruz she has the voice that captures your attention and sends chills down your spine - so electrifying it's beautiful! I currently one three of Cesaria's albums - THe Very Best of, Cabo Verde, and Voz D'Amor! THe next albums I want to get are Sao Vincente di Longe and Cesaria!
For the past few months I've been listening to Cesaria's music more than anyone elses! I can relate so much to the lyrics of her music and the style being that I'm from the Caribbean. I feel as if I've also lived the Capeverdian experience! I would like to visit someday! Viva Cesaria a reina da morna!

Average customer rating: A MUST HAVE CD A must have Awesome Transport yourself to another level of emotion a beautiful collection

Cesaria Evora Best of Césaria Évora Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Miss Perfumado Voz D'Amor Rogamar The Very Best of Cesaria Evora ASIN: B00000GBM9 Release Date: 1999-02-02

Tracks:

1. Besame Mucho
2. Sodade [Single Version]
3. Luiza [#]
4. Tudo Tem Se Limite
5. Sabine Largam'
6. Miss Perfumado
7. CinturTem Mele
8. Vida Tem Um Sda
9. Papa Joachin Paris
10. Petit Pays
11. Cize
12. Mar Azul
13. Nha Cancera Ka Tem Medida
14. Sangue de Beirona
15. Angola
16. Partida [Single Version]
17. Cabo Verde Terra Estimada

Album Description

Import only compilation for the world music star known as Cape Verde's foremost practitioner of the morna style, which is strongly associated with the islands & combines West African percussion with Portuguese fados, Brazilian modhinas & British sea shanties. 17 tracks including, 'Besame Mucho', 'Sodade', 'Luiza' & 'Tudo Tem Se Limite'. 1998 release. 1998.

Album Details

Compilation of Greatest Hits from Fantastic Cesaria Evora. 17 Tracks featuring Two Previously Unreleased Songs: Besame Mucho and Luiza.

Customer Reviews:

A MUST HAVE CD.......2005-10-18

This is an excellent collection of songs. I have heard it many times and I like the swings it has from slow, sad songs to fast paced ones. I discovered this cd in down-town Athens. I was going to work and every morning out of a cd shop Cesaria's voice was coming out. This was going on for almost three months. One morning, as if I were "hypnotized", I went in and I inquired about it. At first I was surprised with the looks of the bare foot diva (nothing like today's glistering pop-artists). This is a further proof though that the success of this artist is not based on the looks but on the spontaneous, unique way of singing. I like every single song in this CD and I think it is the ONE that someone has to bye from Cesaria's music.

A must have.......2002-01-22

I was always vaguely familiar with Cesaria Evora having grown up in Russia where she was, for some time, quite well known. A number of her songs were major hits; "Besame mucho" was even used in an Oscar-winning film "Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears." But it's only as an adult that I was able to fully appreciate this brilliant singer who brings an amazing amount of soul and honesty to her singing. Think Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Holiday, albeit Evora sings a different style of music. This collection, featuring some of her best known hits, is a must have. Just sit back and let it roll over you.

Awesome.......2001-08-07

If you want to have one album from Cesaria Evora, it's got to be this.... Probably her best selection.... Highly recommended!

Transport yourself to another level of emotion.......2000-01-26

I want to live inside this music

a beautiful collection.......2000-01-08

From what I know of diva Cesaria's output (admittedly not a lot) this album seems a good overview. Regardless, the music and singing is beautiful and varied, with tracks like Sodade and Cabo Verde swooningly gorgeous.

Another highlight is Sangue de Beirona, which appears in a number of remixes on Cesaria's most recent single, Carnaval de Sao Vicente.

I'd highly recommend both the single and album.

Average customer rating: Cesaria's voice is so lush

Cesaria Césaria Évora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cafe Atlantico Miss Perfumado Cabo Verde Voz D'Amor São Vicente ASIN: B00007L9OO Release Date: 2003-01-21

Tracks:

1. Petit Pays
2. Xandinha
3. Tudo Tem Se Limite
4. Consedjo
5. D 'nhirim Reforma
6. Rotcha 'Scribida
7. Oriundina
8. Tudo Dia E Dia
9. Nha Cancera Ka Tem Medida
10. Areia De Salamansa
11. Flor Na Paul
12. Doce Guerra

Amazon.com essential recording

Cesaria Evora, a Cape Verdean with a rich alto voice, has been described as a cross between Edith Piaf and Billie Holiday. It wasn't until 1988, though, that Evora traveled to Paris to record. Her fourth album, 1992's Miss Perfumado, made her a major star in France and Portugal. Her 1994 album, Cesaria Evora, duplicated that triumph, and it's this latter recording that has become her first U.S. release. Evora, celebrated in Europe as the "Barefoot Diva," is now 52, but she is still able to give every word a breathy intimacy even as she fills it with a pitch-perfect, full-toned resonance. Drawing on the work of top Cape Verdean songwriters Nando Da Cruz, Amandio Cabral, and Manuel De Novas, she sings in Criuolo, a Creole variation of Portuguese. As in Brazil, another former Portuguese colony with a strong African influence, Cape Verde has produced a music that is light and airy even as it incorporates African rhythms and quartertones. The morna possesses the low-key tunefulness of an equatorial cabaret music, but Evora's vocals impart a world-weary gravity to these tales of homesickness and doomed love. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Cesaria's voice is so lush.......2004-05-26

Cesaria is to this style of music what Ralph Stanley is to bluegrass. Both imbue their music with their life experiences and give us something more than mere musical recitation of words.

Her voice conveys the message of the lyrics so well: she sings with light and hope in "Tuda dia e dia" (Every day is a new day), and she captures the wistfulness of unrequited love in "Areia de Salamansa" (On the Sands of Salamansa). A great selection if you're in a thoughtful mood.

Average customer rating: Soothing Velvety Voice and Melody Just A Beautiful Album CESARIA'S BEST? Mar Azul how detroit taught me to love cesaria evora

Mar Azul Cesaria Evora Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Miss Perfumado Cabo Verde Voz D'Amor Cafe Atlantico Rogamar ASIN: B000066NWN Release Date: 2002-05-21

Tracks:

1. Mar Azul
2. Cize
3. Estanhadinha
4. Cabo Verde
5. Belga
6. Cretcheu Di Ceu
7. Cinturao Tem Mele (Danca Tcha Tcha Tcha)
8. Separacao

Amazon.com essential recording

In 1991, just a year before she hit it big in Europe with Miss Perfumado, Cesaria Evora hit her stride in Paris with this warm and wonderful recording of morna music from Cape Verde. Produced with a light touch by José de Silva, Mar Azul is still close to the nightclub, to the smoke and whiskey roots of her music as she sang it back home; the great band seamlessly mixes jazz, blues, swing, Latin, and African music into something unique for its time. It is lush yet simple, beautiful and gritty and clean, and totally about this voice. An acoustic guitar or piano rules each track, with bass, light percussion, and touches of violin, clarinet, harmonica, or horn just brushing up against it. This is really where Evora developed comparisons to Billy Holiday, in her ability to sound both fragile and tough. Like classic jazz-blues, this music is about pain and elegance, expressed through a voice that convinces you she has seen both and often can't tell the difference. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

Soothing Velvety Voice and Melody.......2007-05-19

We are never tired of this album of Cesaria Evora... Perfect background music while entertaining guests. I imagine myself in an old European Cafe where time has stopped. Sometimes it takes me to a far away place by the sea.

Just A Beautiful Album.......2002-06-27

MAR AZUL by CESARIA EVORA is just a beautiful cd that I havent stopped listening to since I bought it a few weeks ago. I have 5 of her cd's and I like nothing better to do than just lie back and relax and listen to her music. When I hear her voice and the music, I few that I am being trasported to a different land far from where I presently am. I have to say, it is her voice that truly stands out on her albums. Some have compared her to
Billie Holiday, and I think that might be a fair comparison. I can't think of any weak spots on this album, each songs is just so great. This is a must have for any serious music fan. I also recommend CAFE ATLANTICO and CABO VERDE to add to your collection. I dont think that you will be disappointed.

CESARIA'S BEST?.......2000-12-20

As someone who lovingly possesses all of Cesaria Evora's albums, I am tempted to call "Mar Azul" her best. It's certainly the best introduction to a wonderful artist, a true world treasure. "Miss Perfumado" is a close second, and "Cabo Verde" is superb. But for seductive dreaminess it's "Mar Azul" all the way.

Mar Azul.......1999-11-23

Her voice is like butter. If you like wonderful, soothing/soulful music this is a wonderful cd to listen to or play in the background.

how detroit taught me to love cesaria evora.......1999-09-11

i fell in love with cesaria evora during my years of graduate studies in detroit. perhaps it was the general romantic-dismal mood of most midwestern cities (detroit falling more towards dismal than romantic) that brought me to appreciate the sweet melancholy sound of her voice. a woman who travelled to paris from cabo verde, a small island off the coast of west africa, subsequently winning the hearts of the french and soon the hearts of many people throughout the world.

in an epoch of the 'gorgeous pre-pubescent nymphette singer/songwriters' its wonderful to hear from an artist whose voice transcends the superficial boundaries of media-hype. an elder three-hundered pound dark-skinned island woman who i once only recognized as 'the barefoot diva'

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