Concerto em Lisboa w/Bonus DVD

Mariza's brand new live CD recorded in front of 20,000+ people at the magnificent and picturesque gardens of Torre De Belem in her home town of Lisbon, Portugal. Recorded in 2005, with an orchestra (Sinfonetta de Lisbon) led by Jacques Morelenbaum, the beautiful fado singer transports the listener to a timeless evening in Lisbon.

The special bonus DVD is a documentary called Mariza And The Story Of Fado, which examines the art of fado, its history and development through interviews with and performances by Mariza and other fadistas, musicians and experts. Filmed on location in Lisbon, the program contains archival footage of famous past singers, including the late acclaimed Amalia Rodrigues

Even if you're not well-versed in Portuguese fado music, it's easy to be swayed by its rich, mournful sense of emotion. Mariza, one of the genre's premiere contemporary vocalists, see fado as an international language. She makes a convincing case on Concerto em Lisboa, a live recording captured duirng her acclaimed performance at the Tower of Belem. It's an alternately elegant and electric showcase, highlighted by Mariza's gorgeous, piercing voice. She's backed by a full orchestra, whose timing and tightness only add to the experience. From the opening strains of "Loucura" through the closing "Ó Gente Da Minha Terra," Mariza is alternately somber and festive, creating a perfect synergy of singer and musicians. The disc's shattering standout track, "Menino Do Bairro Negro," is likely as gorgeous as anything you've heard in any language. --Joey Guerra