First Showcase:

Fado Music from Portugal!

Brazilian and North African influences have shaped the Portugese expressive form of vocal and guitar music called Fado. Fado music, like many other folk forms originated among the urban poor in early 19th century.

Usually, Fado is sung with a 12-string guitar accompaniment. This 12 string guitar – called guitara portugese is very characteristic of this musical form. It is a derivative of the lute. The 12 string guitar migrated to Portugal through Africa and in the process several things were altered in its construction. The modern 12 string portugese guitar has a very vibrant, expressive sound, and Fado has a distinct harmonic language.

The vocalists  talk about a painful mourning – saudade – which is a portugese word that is hard to translate in any other language; and has a meaning similar to lament or sadness that is impossible to get over. Amália Rodrigues was one of the pioneering Fadistas of the 19th century. Sometimes Fado music also has bass or violin accompaniment.

Fado music comes from Lisbon and Coimbra, which are two different parts of Portugal. Coimbra Fado is more stylized, but Lisbon Fado is more bluesy. Music takes the shape of the place it comes from. Lisbon music is more artsy and intellectual, while Coimbra fado is more folksy, but the poetic component is less interesting.

A popular new Fadista is Mariza, who has a brilliant, richly textured voice, with very expressive gestures.

is my favourite song by Mariza!