Voz D'Amor (20th Anniversary Edition)

Cesaria Evora, Cape Verde's "barefoot diva," has perfected her native morna style, and with her deep, soft-burred tenor, has gained an international audience for her blues-steeped laments. Voz d'Amor features several mornas, but up-tempo coladeras, as well, most notably the striking "Velocidade," written by Luis Morais, the father of modern Cape Verdean music, which spotlights a vocal choir and a lively lyrical clarinet line. But slow-burning, sad songs are Evora's specialty, and there are several striking examples here, including a cover of "Beijo Roubado," first recorded by Brazilian singer Angela Maria. The opening track, "Isolada," a morna written by Evora's uncle, the poet B. Leza, features mandolin by Hamilton de Holanda and is perfectly suited to Evora's warm, honey-tinged voice. The single most striking track is the beautiful lament "Marde Canal," a traditional Cape Verde melody with lyrics from Fernando Andrade about the beauty and treachery of the sea channel between Sao Vicente and Santo Anton. Evora's vocal here is sad, resigned, and wise, by turns. Voz d'Amor is another fine collection from a remarkable singer. ~ Steve Leggett

カボ・ヴェルデの国民的歌手、セザリア・エヴォラの新作。最近はブラジルやキューバからゲストを招いたりリミックス・アルバムをリリースしたりと、新局面を打ち出すような活動が続いていたが、今回は本来の魅力がじっくり味わえる作り。ただし、キューバ音楽に影響を受けた曲やメレンゲ風の曲もあったりとアレンジはかなり多彩だ。すでに60歳を超えた彼女だが、その歌声はますます若々しくなったようにすら感じられる。
bounce (C)篠原 裕治