Distino Di Belita

by Cesaria Evora

Overview

This might just be appearing in the U.S., but don't be fooled into thinking it's a new album from the diva of Cape Verde. Instead, it dates from 1974, Cesaria Evora's first musical period (a year later, she quit music for a decade). The elements of her future style are there, with the sweet sadness of the morna. But it's largely unformed -- the maturity that makes her later work so compelling hasn't arrived yet. There's also an attempt to give a sheen to the sound that simply doesn't suit her voice, to make it more European than it really is -- and even then, more Paris than the soulful fado of Lisbon's back streets. Still, it's impossible to deny what she brings to songs like the title cut and "Pontero," although the piano bar version of "Nova Sintra" should probably be avoided like the proverbial plague. When an artist becomes successful, their more youthful work is often dragged out. But with "Evora," it's not to her embarrassment; in 1974 she wasn't the grand artist she'd become, but she wasn't at all bad. More than just for completists, this offers an excellent snapshot for all who are interested in hearing the roots of her sound. ~ Chris Nickson

Product Details

Release Date:	06/23/2023
Label:	Music On Vinyl
UPC:	8719262027428
Rank:	62394

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Cesaria Evora   Primary Artist,Vocals
Chico Serra   Piano
Edith Lefel   Vocals,Choeurs
Louis Morais   Guitar,Clarinet,Saxophone,Cavaquinho
Miguel Yamba   Bass,Basse
Toy Vieira   Cavaquinho
Martinez   Trumpet
Paulino Vieira   Piano
Denis Hekimian   Drums,Percussion
Philip Guez   Clavier,Keyboards
Manu Lima   Claves,Clavier,Keyboards
M.C. Crone   Vocals,Choeurs
Joao Motta   Guitar
Marie-Celine Chrone   Vocals
Ramiro Mendes   Bass,Basse,Drums,Guitar,Clavier,Keyboards,Cavaquinho,Percussion,Guitar (Bass)
Armando Tito   Guitar

Technical Credits

Gerard Weiss   Engineer,Engineer
Amandio Cabral   Composer
Traditional   Composer
John Hudson   Project Coordinator
Louis Morais   Arranger,Producer
Rob Santos   Project Coordinator
Bruno   Engineer
Dany Carvalho   Composer
Paulino Vieira   Arranger,Producer
Jose Da Silva   Producer
Ruis Novais   Engineer
Avner Perez   Liner Notes
Sue Raffman   Project Coordinator
Alain Pramil   Photography
Dean Harmeyer   Art Direction
Ramiro Mendes   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Betty Ann Rizzo   Project Coordinator
Tom OFlynn   Art Direction
Bruno Quinquet   Engineer
Gerard Weill   Engineer
Laura Dorson   Project Coordinator