Desfado

Desfado

While some fado singers stick close to the traditional mix of overtly sentimental lyrics and diva-level singing paired with romantic Mediterranean melodies, soft rhythms, and expressive acoustic lead guitar, Ana Moura looks further afield. This young singer has sung with The Rolling Stones and collaborated with Prince, and here she again creates musical bridges. The three songs sung in English on her fifth album are David Poe’s “Thank You," a standout version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You,” and her own modern pop tune “Dream of Fire.” Helmed by noted jazz and pop producer Larry Klein, the album has a fluid blend of fado’s signature sharp-toned Portuguese guitar with touches of electric keyboards (Herbie Hancock appears on “Dream of Fire”) and a jazzy rhythmic underpinning of acoustic upright bass and light percussion. Nonetheless, a majority of the songs are written by present-day fado composers. And Moura’s dazzling voice—as dark and multifaceted as a good bottle of red wine—ensures that fado lovers will be well served too. Other highlights include the title track and the shimmying “Ate Ao Vereo.”

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