Terra CD Review

Mariza, 2008.

Anyone for fado?
This is a recent CD containing contemporary fado music from Portugal, as sung by Mariza.
Fado - a song style somewhere between Spanish and French - some evidence of flamenco harmonies and rhythms (though not as fiery), and French boulevard (accordions, acoustic guitars, tho in the case of fado not with the actual accordions)music.
Music for the heart.
The songs are all in Portugeuse (sp?), and there are good translations in the booklet, which you need to read to get the full force of the song.
Mariza's voice drips honey.
The arrangements are authentic and contemporary - nothing poppy or over the top - not sure of Mariza's biog, but she appears to be relatively young though very assured in her performance.
One of my epiphanic moments was listening to the song "Vozes Do Mar" (Voices From the Sea) - not sung to a lover, or an enemy or about a broken relationship - no, a song reflecting simply, poetically, beautifully, on the power and nature of the sea (memories of Piha sunset recur).
This is well worth listening to, whilst recognising that for the more energetic listeners it may be a little too low key...

9/10.