CD Reviews
Cape Verde is a
broad-leaved tree
Planted in the middle of the Atlantic
Its branches have spread out
Throughout the world
During the last few years, the music and poetry from a group of islands in the southern mid-Atlantic, off the West Coast of Senegal, have been the focus of much interest. The Republic of Cape Verde, not much bigger than the State of Rhode Island, has been put back on the map by the popularity of the artist, Cesaria Evora.
Cesaria, began performing at the age of 17 and was soon in much demand, constantly touring the islands. Her expressive interpretations of the two most popular styles of Cape Verdean music, the Coladeira and the Morna, won her a very strong following. The Morna, a style a music expressing nostalgia and sadness, combines West African rhythms with Portuguese and Brazilian influences. In the late 1960's, two of Cesaria's radio tapes were released as albums in the Netherlands and Portugal. However, these didn't make much impact and by the mid '70's, with the decline of the local economy and with difficulty receiving income, Cesaria gave up singing. In 1988, the French producer of Verdean origin, Jose da Silva, offered Cesaria the opportunity to record in Paris and she decided to accept. This first LP "La Diva aux pieds nus" (The Barefoot Diva) became a hit with the Cape Verdean communities and slowly the word was beginning to spread. At the age of 52, having survived several catastrophic droughts, a brutal colonial government, and three husbands, Cesaria finally became popular with the release of her 1992 recording "Miss Perfumado"
Each leaf
is a beloved son
Who has gone far, venturing abroad
In search of a better
And more dignified future
Cesaria's recent release, "Cafe Atlantico", part of which was recorded in Cuba, reveals a more carefree and spirited side to her character, with interpretation of songs that are more festive and lighthearted. Her voice is strong and sounds more youthful. "Carnaval de Sao Vincente", with a brass band, captures the liveliness of a Cape Verdean festival and "Sorte" is a song that will get you up on your feet, dancing. One of the most striking songs on the CD is "Roma Criola", written by Teofilo Chantre. This is a sad, nostalgic song lamenting the decline of the port town Mindelo, where Cesaria was born, and the dream of it returning to its past glory.
Teofilo Chantre is a Cape Verdean artist who deserves much more exposure than he is getting. You will find his compositions on most of Cesaria's CD's and he has 2 releases of his own, "Terra & Cretcheu" and his latest "Di Alma". The music on these CD's are more influenced from Brazil and the Caribbean, as well as jazz. One can still feel the longing and pathos that has become a trademark of Cesaria in his songs, but using a slightly different musical language.
However, due to fame and popularity of Cesaria, other performers and songwriters from Cape Verde have become over looked. There are a couple of collections of music from Cape Verde but the one I recommend is "Music from the World, Cape Verde: Anthology 1959-1992". This 2 CD set contains over 40 tracks and presents a wide variety of groups and solo performers presenting a good cross section selection of Cape Verdean music. Well-written liner notes add to the value of this package.
Our people
are united
In peace and social grace
Cape Verde, small and cherished,
Cradle of love and nostalgia
Paradise of the Atlantic
(manuel de novas)
by Peter Miles
pmiles@gol.com
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