If you've ever wondered what fado music is, you've come to the right place with this ultra-romantic collection by the veteran raspy-voiced singer who emotes muy romantically over the Portuguese guitar of Carlos Goncalves. While you're listening to beautiful pieces like "Xaile de Silêncio" and more folkloric dance gems ("Duas Luas"), it would be wise to educate yourself about the source of the music via the extensive liner notes. There, you'll learn of
Misia's chief influence in the world of fado --
Amalia Rodrigues.
Rodrigues is such a force in this music that periods in the genre's history are referred to as "pre-
Amalia." In fact, "Xaile de Silêncio" is an adaptation by Goncalves of an image-rich poem roughly translated in English as "Shawl of Silence." All of this is simply provided for background texture and extra interest. The lyrics are very poetic and all translated into English, but the fun is gathering the many colors of
Misia's intense emotion in the original language. If you dined at the fanciest Portuguese restaurant in town, with candlelight your only illumination, this is the music you'd imagine as the background. When the romantic evening continues at home,
Misia will keep the sensuous party going. ~ Jonathan Widran