Fado Tradicional EMI****

Fado, Portugal’s most representative traditional music, has become one of world music’s most recognisable genres, largely thanks to the style and charisma of Mariza. With her exquisite poise and dramatic presentation, she has captivated audiences around the world, and stretched the traditional style to incorporate extra influences and instrumentation.

Now she returns to her base and offers a collection from the fado songbook, tunes she heard as a child in her parents' tavern, albeit with some new lyrics, in a traditional setting of Portuguese guitarra, Spanish guitar ( viola), and bass.

The playing is top class and Mariza’s vocals are as soaring and impressive as ever, but for those who are not big fado fans, there isn’t quite the range of emotional expression and intensity of her more contemporary albums.

See mariza.com

Download tracks: Promete Jura, Ai Esta Pena De Mim