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Madredeus: Faluas Do Tejo
ByFado is a Portuguese song form which dwells on the life of the poor and on the sea and especially the feeling called saudade: sadness, loneliness, longing, and even happiness. Guitars are an integral part of the band that accompany Salgueiro. Magalhães plays the classic Portuguese guitar, his sound a beautiful and sympathetic complement to the singer. Salgueiro has the voice, and she communicates emotions with a deep well of feeling. Her intonation and phrasing capture attention; whether or not you understand the Portuguese lyrics, you can't help but be drawn into the vortex of the song.
The impact is immediate as guitars and acoustic bass set up a gently rolling rhythm for "Lisboa, Rinha Do Mar (Lisbon, Queen of the Sea) and Salgueiro transfixes with her voice. The synthesizer is a concession to modernism, and while it may take away from the integral character of the fado, it blends in well on "Fado Das Dúvidas. But it is intrusive on the opening and the break of the title track, where it is not in consonance with the guitars of Magalhães and José Peixoto, who braid a rich tapestry. However, once the singing gets underway, it blends in and introduces an orchestral air.
This stands out as a haunting, lyrical album.
Track Listing
Lisboa, Rainha Do Mar; Fado Das Duvidas; Adoro Lisboa; Nevoas Da Madrugada; Faluas Do Tejo; No Meu Jardim-Sementes A Terra; O Cais Distante; Na Estrada De Santiago; La De Fora; O Canto Da Saudade.
Personnel
Teresa Salgueiro: vocals; Pedro Ayres Magalhaes: guitar; Jose Peixoto: guitar; Carlos Maria Trindade: synthesizers; Fernando Judice: acoustic bass.
Album information
Title: Faluas Do Tejo | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Blue Note Records
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