Live in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Back in 1997, the revival of the beautiful Portuguese song form known as fado hadn't begun, and Cristina Branco was an unknown artist on tour in Holland. This live disc, culled from three performances, formed her debut, while showcasing her glittering partnership with Custódio Castelo, a master of the distinctive Portuguese guitar so vital to the real fado sound -- in fact, he kicks off proceedings with the instrumental "Fins do Sol." Wonderful as he is, it's Branco who dominates the proceedings as soon as she appears, with a voice of crystalline purity, capable of rising to an intense ache -- or saudade -- on "Que Fazes Ai Lisboa" or showing a mix of power and tenderness on "Maria Lisboa." Captured in concert, her ability is immediately evident, a remarkable singer, although still not fully formed, but with an intense, natural feel for the style. Her accompanists frame everything perfectly; even if you don't understand the deep poetry of the fado lyrics, the emotion communicates it beautifully. Castelo, when he has the chance, as on "Sinos de Waibel," is nothing less than stunning; it's easy to imagine the impact these shows must have had on an unsuspecting audience. The tracks here -- which formed Branco's debut album in her homeland -- are finally available globally and are a welcome document of one of new fado's stars in the making. ~ Chris Nickson|