Search - Bévinda :: Chuva De Anjos

FADO MEETS FRENCH CAFE MUSIC...

Larry L. Looney | Austin, Texas USA | 03/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bevinda Ferreire -- born in Portugal and raised in France -- uses her gorgeous voice and songwriting talents to combine the best aspects of Portuguese fado and French cafe/street singing. Possessing a warm contralto as well as a sure sense and grasp of these musical styles, she employs the talents of a group of stunningly gifted musicians to explore these paths in tandem, guiding the project with a sure, loving hand.The instruments are for the most part acoustic (electric bass is the only exception I can see from a cursory scan of the credits), and the arrangements are tasteful and never overbearingly dense. The accordion of Patrick Fournier shines on almost every track -- his contributions are exquisite, and his presence is one of the best things about this recording. The other musicians are wonderful as well -- and the string arrangements present on some of the tracks are written for small ensembles, and thus enhance, rather than smother, the songs. The recording quality and mixing is crystal-clear throughout the disc -- nothing gets in the way between the music and the listener.There are several standout tracks -- but I enjoy them all thoroughly. Of special note is the song 'Les roches'. Bevinda is joined here in a vocal duet by Daniel Lavoie -- and their voices blend beautifully, leaving me with the feeling that I'm eavesdropping on an intimate conversation, making this one of my favorites here.The songs are sung in Portuguese and French -- and the singer's emotion and talents make her sound equally at home in either tongue. The overall feel of this recording is relaxing -- but it's certainly not one that will put the listener to sleep. I have an earlier recording by her, as well as her newest release -- and they are both excellent as well -- but I keep returning to this one time and again. It's one of my favorites of the last few years (it was recorded in late 1998/early 1999). Bevinda is an artist I will enjoy for years to come -- her creativity and talent make her art a lasting thing of beauty."