My deepest thank you goes out to Cesaria "Cize" Evora, Maria de Barros, my wife, all of the many musicians and Cape Verdean people I have met along the way. You changed my life for the better and I thank you from my heart. It’s never to late to say thank you and bless you, for your journey and how you touched my soul. Since the day Cesaria passed away I felt compelled to write something about my personal story and experience and how Cize and Cape Verde touched my life.
Quem mostra’ bo ess caminho longe?
Até dia Qui bô voltá
"Sodade" describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves. It often carries a repressed knowledge that the object of longing might never return. It's related to the feelings of longing, yearning.
“Nothing has changed in my life. Long before I became famous, I'd had people around me -- rich people, poor people, family, strangers. I grew up poor, I never had anything before, and so I'm living my normal life. And I'll keep it that way. Nothing's going to change who I am.
(Cize)
Cesária Évora (27 August 1941 – 17 December 2011) was a Cape Verdean popular singer. Nicknamed The Barefoot Diva for performing without shoes, she was also known as The Queen of Morna.
My story behind the story, Brazil…
My story with Cize really begins in the early 80's when I discovered the vast and contagious music of Brazil through my guitar and music mentor who had brought back recordings of Brazilian Popular music from a trip there he took to play in a jazz festival. Although straight ahead jazz was my first passion and craft on guitar and all jazz players were aware of Brazil through Bossa Nova standards, when I heard the MPB artists such as Joao Bosco, Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil and Djavan I was immediately hooked on the infectious style, beautiful guitar playing, Portuguese language and lush Brazilian pop melodies. Not long after my encounter with this rich new world of music, I was playing, singing and working with Brazilian musicians. As I a dug even deeper, I discovered Sambas, MPB and Choro. Soon after, Paulinho da Viola, Martinho da Vila, Pixinguinha, Waldir Azevedo and Jacob do Bandolin became my new music heroes. In the bossa-nova genre I went deeper and learned to sing and play along with entire recordings of Joao Gilberto.
Many of my friends and colleagues had similar reactions and a surprising and auspicious amount of people from my community in North County San Diego went on to play with Brazilians, live in Brazil or have some kind of connection with Brazilian culture. I have often come to the conclusion that the Southern Californian ethos must be a nice fit with Brazil. At the same time, Brazilians I encountered were impressed and intrigued with my interest in their music and culture; Wherever I lived; San Diego, Los Angeles, NYC and Madrid, they invited me to play, to work and to get to know their music. I think I was a kind of novelty for them; a gringo who was into their culture and could play their style was uncommon in those days. They were surprised that an American would work so hard to learn their music - so the gigs kept coming. I continued to play straight ahead jazz, blues, fusion and R&B but Brazilian music/culture had nested deep inside my soul and career.
It is a lot of work to play a foreign style of music when you’re not from the country of that music’s origin but I found it deeply rewarding on many levels. I searched and researched tirelessly in the US and Europe for the Brazilian culture, music and musicians. I even estranged some of the more small-minded colleagues I had in other genres of music, but I was totally hooked and it was so exciting. I had the great fortune to meet in person and hear live performances of some great Brazilian artists in the early and mid-eighties like Alcione, Milton Nascimento, Tania Maria and the original Olodum. I worked extensively in Brazilian music over the years, so much that I found myself speaking fluent Portuguese while living in Madrid, Spain and working tirelessly with so many great Brazilian musicians. I later made my way to Brazil for a few months of travel and had a great experience, hearing fantastic Choro groups, playing samba with velha guarda da Portela in Vila Isabel and hearing deep Brazilian bossa - jazz. It felt like home to me.
I had a milestone experience with the phenomenal Choro group; Camerata Carioca, after attending their concert in Denver, Colorado, the next day was spent with these true masters at my friends feijoada in Boulder. They played literally all day and night long, shared food and drink, invited me to sit in with them and we shared ideas, influences and they gave me their individual recordings that I later studied. I came realize how important the Choro tradition was to all of Brazilian music and found an incredible comparison with the American Jazz story and story of Choro in Brazil. Duke Ellington/Pixinguinha or Congo Square/Pelourinho make great comparison studies.
I never I could have divined what I was preparing for later on, but my interest in Brazilian and African music was probably the perfect preparation. Many Brazilian musicians have gone on to playing with Cape Verdeans and being part of the Cape Verdean music scene.
Cesaria Evora and Brazil:
In addition to her touring and fame in Brazil she recorded E Doce Morrer no Mar, E Preciso Perdoar and Negue. Cize worked with Caetano Velloso, Marisa Monte and the arranger/cellist Jaques Morlenbaum did wonderful work on her album Rogamar. Listen to her sig “Sao Vicente e um Brasilin…” A song that says Cesaria’s island is a little Brazil…
Sombras do Distino – Shadows of destiny
At one point while living in Madrid, Spain, I made serious plans to take a job working the on ships from Portugal, to Angola and then to Brazil to get close to and feel the distance, the exodus and in turn, to understand completely the journey of these people, the Brazilians that had touched and changed the course of my life. But even at that point I still did not realize that the auspicious little archipelago of Cape Verde would have been truly one of the most important stops in that exodus. That travel plan didn't work out for me, but in the end my destiny somehow led me "smack-dab in the middle" of these islands in the Atlantic. My destiny to the heart of Cesaria's music, her culture and falling in love with Cape Verde’s culture, people and rich musical heritage. I find it odd that some Brazilians don't know the importance of Cape Verde in their own culture. The fact is most people cannot place Cape Verde on the map if you ask them. But that is makes the story all the more intriguing. Cape Verde is an incredible power spot to those who know her story - an energy spot - no matter how unknown or neglected by the unaware. Cesaria's massive success and melodic seduction through simply and honestly sharing her music to the entire world is eminent proof of the power. She really put her country on the map. But Cape Verde's importance in the history and culture of the Americas cannot be underestimated. Funny how humble little forgotten people and places are often important pieces in the puzzle of life and history.
Introduction to Cape Verde:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5CyvWxi1zs
A chamada - the call
I was living in Los Angeles in the early 1990's when it happened: I was listening to the radio and heard for the first time, something that would later on change my life; I heard the voice of Cesaria Evora. I never forgot that day because I felt something so beautiful, a definite musical morabeza (Cape Verdean hospitality) clearly calling me. The Morna and Coladeira had all the elements of what I loved; the deeply soulful Afro-euro melodies played with many stringed instruments, light percussion and a simple style without excessive techniques. The accompaniment was reminiscent of the Choro instrumentation sometimes. (I later found that many Cape Verdeans are masters of Brazilian choro styles and have their own choros) I recall that I felt like I could fit in to it, play that music and that it was the perfect kind of music for my soul. I didn’t forget this dream in my heart from that day on. Cabo Verde had just stamped its soul stamp on my soul.
Note to musicians: I have discovered and you may also find that the simplest styles of music are in fact the hardest to master. Taj Mahal said: "The biggest mistake people make with the blues is they think it’s easy to play" In Cape Verdean music it is pure soul - The intention is so pure that even what many educated musicians would consider mistakes have a way of sounding like genius and perfectly organized.
Who could imagine that the dream would come true?
In 2002 I was living in Boulder, Colorado. I had spent many years there as a band-leader and side-man in various genres and had the fortune to lead a fantastic and successful quintet with legendary Brazilian drummer Claudio Slon. But when my musical odyssey was taking me back to Los Angeles again, I contacted my old friend and colleague (Bill Brendle) who immediately offered me some potential gigs in Los Angeles working with Sergio Mendes and Katia Moraes - he also mentioned there's a fantastic new singer he is recording with; "Maria de Barros - she is Cape Verdean, she is really special and she will need a guitarist for touring - you would be perfect"
The magic begins...
Wednesday, July 2nd, 2003, just before moving back to Los Angeles, came a serendipitous surprise: Cesaria Evora is appearing in Boulder Colorado. What better way to prepare to audition for Maria de Barros - I made the most of the opportunity; I went early to sound check, met Cize and the whole band and explained how I am going to Los Angeles to play with Maria de Barros. I even played To’ Alves cavaquinho and Kako's guitar. I recall that the cool diva smiled at me and probably said something funny about me in Creole. I didn't understand the Creole language but they understood my "Brasiliero" and seemed sincerely happy to meet me. I was amazed with Kako's guitar playing - he played and sang something in sound check that bewildered me, I still don't know what he did that day! I heard the distinct accent of the Cape Verdean Samba when To’ Alves sang an up-tempo version of Manha de Carnaval with the band during sound check. The show that night was magnificent; Cesaria was Cesaria, the simple genius who conquered the world in her bare feet. Resultado: I was in turn so excited to soon meet Maria de Barros and her Cape Verdean musicians. I later had many opportunities to play with Kako and To Alves Through my work with Maria.
I settled in California and soon auditioned for the enigmatic and friendly Maria de Barros. The audition was quick and the connection was natural, as if it was just simply meant to be. When rehearsals began in Rhode Island, I met the kind, humble gentleman, the uber-talented Cape Verdeans: Kalu Monteiro, Djim Job, Dickie Tavares, Tony “Toots” or “Kid” Santos and Zerui DePina. Each one of these musicians showed talent that was at times hard to comprehend because not only were they masters of the traditional Cape Verdean style, they also showed so many other musical influences and such a natural affinity for the truest art of music, composing and performing. Drummer, producer, guitarist, composer and singer Kalu Monteiro had worked with Cesaria on drums for many years and when one day we rehearsed a song of Cesaria's (Regresso) Kalu had some fun and emulated her voice perfectly. He is a great singer and backing vocalist with Djim Job. After all the years touring with Cize, Kalu mastered her phrasing and tone. I cannot say enough about these musicians. They are my reference point for so much in Cape Verdean music and beyond that as well.
A door opened to a new place that I could have never imagined and they welcomed me into their home and hearts. The Cape Verdean culture has a European /African mixture that really appealed to my taste. I had always been involved and deeply interested with Africa through black American music and Brazil. Also, I lived and traveled extensively in Europe since my early childhood. Somehow the Cape Verdean ethos just made sense to me. A remote, often pristine and unknown place that had been touched by and mixed in so many cultures that I love.
From Mendes Brothers "Porton do Regresso" Album Notes:
Ribeira Grande de Santiago
The cradle of the “New World”
The grand gateway to the Atlantic
Our Gate of Return to mother Africa
Ribeira Grande de Santiago
The cradle of Creole
Queen of the New World
Our sacred valley, triumph of Africa
Initiation terra terra...
We immediately began touring with Maria and it was a constant cultural baptism, meeting and staying with Maria's family, meeting so many people in the east coast Cape Verdean Community, seeing and even working with many of the greatest artists from Cape Verde. The morabeza, food, music, and dance became part of my life. I thank my dear Maria; she is the key that unlocks the magical Creole transformation in my world. But then the thanks goes to Maria's godmother; Cesaria Evora. It was Cize who inspired Maria in her career and convinced Maria to sing again. The barefoot diva "Cize" paved the way for so many artists in Cape Verde, she built the road. Even Maria’s promo often read something like: "Maria de Barros - the god-daughter of Cesaria Evora - if Cesaria is the queen of Morna, then Maria de Barros is the queen of Coladeira
The Mar Azul adventure continues magically...
In 2006, after 3 years of extensive touring with Maria in the USA, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean, we finally embark on tour to the Cape Verde islands for 6 weeks. Our first stop is playing in the renowned festival of "Baia Das Gatas" on the island of Sao Vicente. When I say, " the adventure continues magically" I mean it; we musicians, even though often we suffer and struggle on the road, finding ourselves with no sleep or all alone and bored in hotels - when it is good, it is a wild and magic carpet ride where everything can unfold perfectly and you discover dream-like places and people that change and enrich your life. In this serendipitous 6 week tour of Cape Verde alone we played concerts and festivals in the islands of Sao Vicente, St Anton, Santiago, Boa Vista, Fogo and Brava. Over the years ahead we frequent the Cape Verde archipelago with appearances in all the festivals on many of the islands and beyond to Europe, Brazil and Mexico.
Se Mindelo um vez era sab. Inda el ta ser mas sab...
But my experience when I first set foot in Cabo Verde and entered Cesaria Evora's city of Mindelo was to unfold immediately like a fairy tale. From far away, driving in, I mistakenly thought that the city looked barren, unfinished and even desolate. The dry wind blasted mountains didn't say paradise at first look. But lo and behold, now when I return there, I know the truth, my heart pounds with anticipation, pride and joy - Nos Paraiso! (Our Paradise) It is the heartland that stirs my deepest soul and that is because of the wonderful Mindelense people and their unique morabeza. In only the first few hours in Mindelo, I met many of the greatest composers and musicians in Cape Verde. I participated in a radio interview with the extraordinary artists Djim Job and Teofilo Chantres. I discovered the city that breathes history in and out around each and every corner and walked up and down the beautiful Laginha beach in awe of the breathtaking Creole beauty. The natural hospitality, “no stress” or “bom feeling” was everywhere! SAB PA FRONTAAAAA! It is like a secret that one feels so privileged to know. Yes, driving in I didn't think much of it at first sight, but oh how I know better now. The meaning of "Sodade" became abundantly and painfully clear when I left there. I had heard of "Saudade" in Brazil, the nostalgic longing for someone, a time or someplace but the creole Sodade was something else. All of the sudden when I left there, the lyrics of the many songs took on a new meaning. Nobody can deny the beauty of this place. No wonder Cesaria is so famous, she carried that divine place around in her heart and shared it simply and effortlessly with us all!
Soncent e sab...
In the first day at the enigmatic Baia Das Gatas festival I saw so much music - Vasco Martins, Gabriela Mendes, Dudu Araujo, Tcheka, Zeca Di Nha Reinalda and Tiken Jah Fakoly. I loved Dudu’s coladeira’s and when Zeca sang the anthem “Tó Martins” with everybody singing along – I was deeply moved by it all as if I was hearing Bob Marely singing No Woman No Cry - what an enthralling experience to finally be in this land with the multitudes of peaceful and fun loving people in a natural paradise on the Bay of Gatas surrounded by the soul stirring traditional music. I could feel the beginning of so many possibilities for me. I later found out that the founders of this famed annual festival that began in 1984 were inspired by Woodstock "Three days of peace and music"
The next evening I sang along in complete rapture with the audience to Sara Tavares's "Balance" It was out of this world, for the first time in my life I felt the warm breeze of the powerful African continent there with the Creole multitudes. We took the stage right after Sara Tavares with Maria de Barros and shared our soul to the cheering of thousands - SONCENT E SAB - SAB PA CAGAR OH! It was magical. The adventure continued into the nights at Baia Das Gatas festival tagging along with the enigmatic singer and guitarist Bius. Bius, bless his soul in heaven - was the perfect musical ambassador for a newcomer like myself. He just opened his arms as if we were longtime brothers. We had seen him perform at Mindel Hotel and jammed with him. You could say Bius was to Mindelo what Cesaria was to the world. And seeing him play and sing is a whole other story in itself. There may never be another Cesaria or another Bius. These are representative artists of generations, who embodied the culture, the old days, the genius of the good times, bad times and all the songs of a people. I heard, I felt, I experienced so much - I recall hearing pioneers of Cape Verdean music Morgadinho and Chico Serra, it was like a groove epiphany.
At Baia festival and in Mindelo there was more music, dancing and getting to know the people. What paradise is this? I met and was introduced to so many sweet smiling gorgeous ladies it made my head spin, and that unforgettable grogue velha (Aged Cape Verdean Rum) that Djim Job shared from a tiny clay pot that magically never ran out to temper the sentiment. In a moment of single man wisdom I realized that I should take my time and not fall into any Crioula's arms too quickly! …I pondered, I should take my time, there may be a Mulher de diamante here for me. Even the ride back to Mindelo from Baia with Djim Job in the dawn was an adventure while careening over the hills below Mont Verde on the cobblestone roads in a packed like sardines with creoles taxi/van with some old funana music blasting through the blown-out speakers. I remember at that moment, laughing heartily as it felt like there's no going back, Cape Verde was penetrating deep into my pours in a way that even if I didn't want it, its going to make it self at home inside of me forever.
Nos rainha...
The next day I saw the unassuming queen take the stage on her land, her island, in front of her people. What an honor and a pleasure. But alas, she took to the stage as she would anywhere - Cesaria is Cize wherever she goes; she is simple. In her words: "Não sou nenhuma rainha da música de Cabo Verde. Sou uma das cantoras de Cabo Verde. Mais nada." (“I am not any kind of Queen, I am just another Cape Verdean singer, nothing more”) But I loved seeing Cesaria bust out a big bright smile and laugh on that stage as she received honors from the Mayor Isaura Gomes, what a beautiful moment. The group and Cize performed the music that has taken this little unknown island to the whole world. It was incredible to see, hear and feel that sentiment and soul right there where it was born. I was baptized in Cabovernidade.
What an introduction to this the island of Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde, I was emotionally moved by it all, the place, the people, the music, the culture and the whole experience. When I think back, its excruciatingly hip, romantic and like a fantastic dream. But oh how real it is and how much more romantic could it possible get? It was there at Baia Das Gatas that met the woman of my life, Dilma Marisia Barros Gomes and been together since Baia Das Gatas festival 11th, 12th, and the 13th of August 2006. Amen. Obrigado Cize.
The connections to miss Evora are many and so special to me. I thank her from deep in my soul for touching, orchestrating, inspiring, supporting, encouraging many people in my extended family and providing a deep and integral part of the best musical soundtrack of my life.
Some connections, observations and Cesaria's place in my life...
Cesaria was born August 27th 1941- I was born August 28th 1962Discovered her music in the early 90's and dreamed to play with her.
08/02/2003 I saw Cize perform and met her and the whole band in my second hometown of Boulder Colorado. An unlikely place to meet a Cape Verdean group but then again, I just imagine all the people in this world in far away unlikely places where her and her musicians shared their souls. It is truly astounding how far she and the music of Mindelo reached.
Joined with Maria de Barros - goddaughter of Cesaria and toured for over 8 years and we still work together.
Through the time staying with my wife in Mindelo and also through some gigs with Maria de Barros I worked in depth, in various settings with the musicians; Kalu Monteiro, To Alves, Kako Alves, Bau and Djassa who are all long time veterans of Cesaria Evora's band.
Kalu Monteiro was very special in getting to know Cesaria – Kalu shared many stories of his endless tours with her and I know that Kalu is part of Cesaria’s family. Like Cize said: "Na verdade, somos mesmo uma família. Damo-nos todos bem, é como se fossemos mãe e filho, irmão com irmão.(sobre a sua banda)" Translation: “In truth, we are really a family. We all do well together, as if we are mother and child, brother and brother” (when talking about her band)
I cherish the concerts performing with a contemporary of Cesaria: Djosinha - Djosinha along with Bana and "Voz Do Cabo Verde" were the first C.V. musical ambassadors to the world.
Met the legendary Bana and heard him perform on numerous occasions. Bana's mastery in melodic phrasing influenced Cesaria.
I enjoyed performing numerous times with my own groups I formed in Cesaria’s home of Mindelo to the full house of Mindelense people, even singing Cesarias repertoire.
My wife Dilma Barros is born and raised in Mindelo. Her family were friends or colleagues of Cize.
Dilma's father is the famed cavaquinho player Artur Cavaquin who played with Cesaria and all the old contemporaries and musicians that gave Cesaria her sound. Cesaria sings of Dilma’s father: "Artur kema el tchora ele dze lembral na Gust Piric Piduca subia ele zara festa caba"
Sister in law Diva Gomes is considered one of great Cape Verdean singers from Mindelo and Cesaria even awarded her the #1 singer. Diva is arguably the perfect candidate to carry Cesaria's torch. Although Diva's debut album "Palco D'Vida" touches upon many different styles, Diva has the deep soul of Sao Vicente and close connection to one of Cesaria’s favorite composers; Manuel D’Novas. If anyone could carry the torch it is Diva. I had the pleasure to work with Diva in Mindelo and produced a concert for her here in LA.
Sister in law Evelise "Loka" Gomes was personal assistant for Cesaria (many more stories I heard!)
Evelise was living in Mindelo these past few months and visiting often with Cize. She is here now visiting for the holidays and told us stories of her visits to Cesaria’s house and her feelings and observation that it’s probably true that Cize life was not the same without the music. The music undoubtedly kept her going and having to stop was heart breaking. Evelise said that except for some bad diet and what not, she seemed strong and in good shape and like she could have gone on.
The very last time I saw dear miss Evora, we showed up late to her show backstage and she said she was sorry we missed the concert but then I sat while listening to Dilma and Cesaria speaking in their classic old Crioulo of Sao Vicente and sharing that sincere, ironic, heartfelt, humble, often very funny stories with each other. I never forgot that conversation and always wanted to have that opportunity for more. Cesaria had a way with my wife Dilma that it felt like they were family. She said some funny things about me just like the first time I met her. I treasure this moment in my heart.
My wife and I founded the group: “Cabo Verde Cretcheu” (Cape Verde My Love) Our biggest influence and inspiration is without a doubt Cesaria Evora. I discovered and researched Cesaria's recordings in depth with Cabo Verde Cretcheu and we performed many of her songs. I know Cesaria would have enjoyed so much to hear Dilma singing. Dilma is a flower of Mindelo and the island of Sao Vicente. She has blossomed from never singing before to become our naturally and fiercely talented, passionate lead singer and true soul stirrer with stage presence to boot.
We have done nights in tribute to Cesaria playing songs from her repertoire all night long - Lua Nha Testemunha, Sombras di Distino, Ess Pais, Crepuscular Solidao, Doce Guerra, Amor, Roma Crioula, Amor e Mar, Mar Azul, Monte Cara, Esperanca di Mar Azul, Petit Pays, Na Travessa De Peixeira, Regresso, Beijo de Longe, Amor Di Hoje Em Dia, Cabo Verde Manda Mantenha, Regresso, Avenida Marginal, Carnaval de Sao Vicente, Amor Di Mundo and of course, Sodade and so many more.
It just so happened that our group Cabo Verde Cretcheu had a concert booked on the evening of December 17th in Long Beach at Casa Arjona. Dilma was naturally worried and crushed with the news but she opened her heart and told the story in song and her transparent spirit lit the room on fire with emotion! I really believe that when Cize passed, she became part of us all and joined us all in spirit. Dilma embodied it all that night. It was a beautiful, gut wrenching and emotional tribute. I felt in that emotion, that music, that night, my destiny defined: I am not only an American, but I am also a proud Cape Verdean in my blood, my heart and in my soul.
Cesaria Evora passed away December 17th 2011 but I know that Cesaria joined us all in full spirit that day and forever.
I know its true; she is there in my tears and in the whole world and all her people who mourn her. Even if you never went to Cabo Verde or met a Cape Verdean, if you went to see her sing or sat listening to her recordings I am sure that on this day December 17th you learned something about the meaning of the word SODADE. Although its hard to believe and way too soon, now she is part of us all, part of the earth and part of the heavens above.
I thank you Cesaria, your musicians, the composers of your songs, your family and all of your fans for everything you have shared. You have enriched my life with your soul and your song. You are the benevolent Queen, the Queen of Cape Verdean song, the Queen of unfathomable and humanity stirring humility, the barefoot diva – but whatever they say about your Sao Vicente soul, you will live forever in our hearts. I am thankful that Cesaria at least had her wish to leave this world where she came into it, in the city on Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde.
In truth, there has been a steady wave of great singers representing Cape Verde’ s mélange of styles and sounds. And there are young musicians all over the islands that are so talented, promising and they just keep on appearing. But it is hard to imagine anyone ever taking Cesaria's place. Cesaria was a unique artist that in terms of the "world music" genre who reached a height that was unheard of for that genre. The fact that she comes from these little islands that many people never heard of somewhere in the Atlantic makes her story even more astounding. The venues she frequented are the greatest concert halls in the world. Who could achieve what she has? It’s like an impossible to dream of dream, but it happened and the CD's, DVD's and memories of us all are there to prove it. Her funeral in Mindelo saw more people in the streets than any carnival celebration. The people that Cesaria touched around the world were moved so deeply by this special being. Its so funny how ironic, humble and simple she was while being called a Diva. She never tempered her performance, danced or really talked much on stage. Many people even liked the part in her shows where she would just sit at a table, smoke a cigarette and listen to the band play, the truth is she said she is addicted to smoking and had to take that break, lol.
Special respect and thanks must go out to the musicians who worked with Cesaria.
If Cize was the flower, her musicians were the beautiful garden where the flower blossomed. There are so many that worked hard on the road and in the studio bringing her voice to the light. Some of the have gone on, passed away, but I hope and pray that we can continue to celebrate and support their continued career's because they are so talented.
As I prepare for yet another night with Dilma and our group Cabo Verde Cretcheu - of course we will play another tribute set to Cize. I wish I could be in Rhode Island, Boston, Lisbon and Cape Verde where I know there are many tributes to her going on. It is my belief that we should celebrate in song and elegy to this one and only person. I hope that more video's, interviews and stories will be published and that the last CD will come out... Imagine a movie about her life? Who could play that role? Its a story worth telling and we must fill this huge empty space that is left now with celebration of all of what Cesaria embodied.
Ess Pais (Manel D'Novas)
Bem conché esse mindelo pequinino
Bem conché sabura di nos terra
Bem conché esse paraiso di cretcheu
Qui nôs poeta cantá ku amor
Na sês verso imortal crioul
Quem ka conchê mindelo,
ka conche Cabo Verde
Bem disfruta morabeza
Esse povo franco sem igual
Li no ca tem riqueza
No ca tem ouro
No ca tem diamante
Ma no tem ess paz di deus
Qui na mundo ca tem
Esse clima sabe que deus done
Bem conchê esse pais
LINKS:
http://www.cesaria-evora.com/?lang=en
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/arts/music/cesaria-evora-morna-singer-from-cape-verde-dies.html
http://www.festivalbaiadasgatas.com/
http://cesariaevora.sapo.cv/
DISCOGRAPHY:
Cesaria (1987)
La Diva Aus Pieds Nus (1988)
Destino Di Belita (1990)
Mar Azul (1991)
Miss Perfumado (1992)
Cesaria (1995)
Cesaria Évora à l'Olympia (1995) - ao vivo
Cabo Verde (1997)
Café Atlântico (1999)
São Vicente Di Longe (2001)
Live in Paris (2002) - ao vivo
Voz d'Amor (2003)
Live D'Amour Au Gran Rex / Cesaria Évora en Concert (2004) - ao vivo
Rogamar (2006)
Radio Mindelo (2008) - Coletânea de gravações avulsas dos anos 60
Nha Sentimento (2009)