Cape Verde (located off the coast of Senegal) is an archipelago of ten small islands first colonized by Portuguese explorers in 1462. Because of the difficulty and expense of travel between the islands, each has developed a unique culture and dialect, as well as a distinctive musical tradition. Césaria Évora, from the island of Sao Vicente, is the country's most famous musical export, but Lura (who grew up in Lisbon, but whose family comes from Santiago) is poised to bring another flavor of Cape Verdean singing to the world's attention. Her debut album offers a mesmerizing and intoxicating blend of Portuguese lyrics and instrumental flavors and Cape Verdean melodies and rhythms, all of it unified by one of the richest, strongest voices to have come from the Cape Verdean community in years. These songs all vary in tempo from slow and swaying to a medium boil, but even when the tempo picks up (as on the rippling "Vazulina"), the effect remains one of relaxation and calm, confident sensuality. Highlight tracks include the call-and-response celebration "Na Ri Na," the sad and gorgeous "Nha Vida," and a loping, melancholy number called "So Um Cartinha." Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson