Cape Verdean Blues
Folkalist, 2023
8/10
The award-winning vocalist and composer Kavita Shah returns with 12 songs that pay homage to Cesária Évora, a legendary Cape Verdean singer, and it makes for a very cultured and timeless tribute.
“Angola” opens the listen with swirling guitar from Bau that suits the dance friendly beats and upbeat percussion, and “Flor Di Nha Esperanca” follows with a flowing dreaminess that showcases Shah’s cultured voice amid the radiant melodies.
Halfway through, “Amor Di Mundo” arrives in the middle, and carries plenty of rhythm amid a breezy demeanor and meticulous guitar, while “Chaki Ben” is an Indian folk song that recruits Maalem Hassan Benjaafar, who brings guembri and qraqeb to the eloquent delivery.
“Sodade” and the title track bookend the listen, where the former soars with an anthemic quality, and the latter pairs Shah’s adventurous singing with Miroca Paris’ stunning percussion for the worldly finish.
A listen that has the capacity to get your body moving while also tearing up at the same time, Shah’s singing is infectious, and the minimal instrumentation is quite admirable.
Travels well with: Timo Vollbrecht Fly Magic- Givers & Takers; Brandee Younger- Brand New Life