An extraordinary CD. Her voice is smoother than ever. Nice mix of Cape Verdian music, Brazilian carnaval and some French traditional music. Cesaria is back with her brand new album "Rogamar". Recorded in Mindelo, São Vicente, Évora's hometown, and Paris (CaetanoVeloso arranger Jacques Morelenbaum added the strings in Rio de Janeiro), Rogamar is a lovely piece of work, with most of the 15 tracks written for her by her talented Cape Verdean songwriting team. The songs, as evidenced by the title of the album (which translates to "pray to the sea"), speak of love, loss, island life, and humankind within the context of the ocean."Rogamar" is her tenth album and if you are a fan of Cesaria you will find some songs very similar to older Cesaria songs... like you heard them somewhere before. But if you aren't a fan of Cesaria this album is a good way to start likeing her. But maybe not the best. I think Sao Vicente or Cafe Atlantico are her best albums; but also check out the Anthology.
My favorite songs on the album are: Africa Nossa - definietly the best song on the album. Very nice melody and great duo with a Senegal singer Ismael Lo. Probably to become one of her classics. First single from the album. Sombras Di Distino - beautiful ballad, very similiar to Cesaria's older ballads. In the up-tempo "Um Pincelada," in which the singer explains her understanding of the world and a lifetime of disappointments, with resignation thick in her voice, to hope for "peace and progress with a real nice melody. Second single from the album. Avenida Marginal - up tempo song. Great rythm. Rogamar - nice song. Very nice melody. Rosie - mid tempo song. Well I find this song a little bit different that other Cesaria songs. But I like it! Mas Um Sonho - nice up tempo song. Feel good (Carnaval) song! Travessa De Peixeira, Saiona D'Vinte Ano - also good songs. Well, it seems that Cesaria just can't do wrong... very good album, great songs (Africa Nossa, Sombras Di Distino, Um Pincelada), nice melodies, many emotions and one, great unique voice. Cesaria. One and only.
An extraordinary CD. Her voice is smoother than ever. Nice mix of Cape Verdian music, Brazilian carnaval and some French traditional music. Cesaria is back with her brand new album "Rogamar". Recorded in Mindelo, São Vicente, Évora's hometown, and Paris (Caetano