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Maria Mendes and the Macedonian National Jazz Orchestra at the National Opera and Ballet
by Nenad Georgievski
Marija Mendes and the Macedonian National Jazz Orchestra National Opera and BalletSkopje, Macedonia March, 25, 2025 Music may not be able to solve all the world's problems, but it has the power to heal wounds and bring comfort to those who need it most. That was precisely what happened when Portuguese singer Maria Mendes took the stage with the Macedonian National Jazz Orchestra Big Band, under the expert direction of conductor and arranger ...
Continue ReadingMaria Mendes: Saudade, Colours of Love
by Richard J Salvucci
Every language has words that defy translation. Take “saudade" in Portuguese or Galician. Or “fado." Go to a standard dictionary, and “saudade" appears as “nostalgia" or “longing." In reality, a native speaker will tell you “saudade" means a kind of indefinable melancholy for people, places or things that may only exist in the imagination, and “fantasy" will not even come close. “Fado" is an art form, defined as a mournful or fatalistic Portuguese folk song. Perhaps “flamenco" is familiar, but ...
Continue ReadingMaria Mendes: Close To Me
by Dan Bilawsky
A great affection for fado music and its poetic lyrics, an appreciation for how a jazz palette can color the form, and a love of orchestral seasonings all influence this expansive outing from Maria Mendes. It's an effort that's far from the norm and right where the Portuguese vocalist lives and loves to be. Teaming up with pianist/arranger extraordinaire John Beasley, Mendes delivers originals, fado favorites, and, for good measure, a new number written for her by ...
Continue ReadingMaria Mendes: Along the Road
by John Kelman
Virtuosity needn't be on display at every moment; restraint, in fact, is an important yet often overlooked aspect of true virtuosity. Norma Winstone is a clear example; certainly capable of plenty, more often than not the British singer's performances are defined by nuance, subtlety and a direct line to the heart of the music. Maria Mendes is another, with the spirit of Brazil looming large over this young Portuguese-born/Netherlands-resident singer's impressive debut, Along the Road--a nine-song set of standards, material ...
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