Madredeus - O Porto (1998)

Madredeus have an intuitive style that is both very folky and yet highly adventurous. The simplicity of the Portuguese ensemble s studio recordings belies the complexity of the arrangements, which are full of subtle twists and turns on classic folk styles and surprising harmonic beauty.

This two-CD set was recorded live in April 1998 and gives the band the best possible platform for what it does. Much of the program is centered around the superb voice of Teresa Salgueiro and songs written by the ensemble s other members. With two acoustic guitars, an upright bass, and a synthesizer, they performed a set of songs that received no remixing or rerecording, a rarity these days for so-called live albums. The interplay between the musicians and singer is never better felt than in this live setting. The CD is lush in tone yet sublimely bare in presentation.
Madredeus is a spectacular group, and this is by far their most spectacular recording. The music is angelic, ethereal, and the vocals of Teresa Salgueiro are nothing short of breathtaking. The music is a part Portuguese fado, part old world folk, and 100% wonderful. If you have never heard of Madredeus and are looking for something refreshing, start with "O Porto."

Personnel

Teresa Salgueiro: vocal
José Peixoto: guitar
Pedro Ayres Magalhães: guitar
Francisco Ribeiro: violin
Gabriel Gomes: harmonica
Rodrigo Leão: keyboard

Tracklist

Disc: 1
1. Coisas Pequenas
2. Os Dias Sao A Noite
3. A Andorinha Da Primavera
4. A Tempestade
5. A Margem
6. Carta Para Ti
7. Cancao Do Tempo
8. Agora-Cancao Aos Novos
Disc: 2
1. A Praia Do Mar
2. Alvorada
3. Claridade
4. Quem Amo
5. Alma
6. Os Folioes
7. O Paraiso
8. O Sonho
9. Nao Muito Distante
10. Haja O Que Houver