The Whole Music Experience

Cesaria Evora, the Cape Verdean singer, also known as “the barefoot diva,” passed away on Saturday, December 17th (at 11:45 am local time) at Baptista de Sousa hospital in Mindelo Cape Verde, as announced by Cape Verdean minister of culture Mario Lucio Sousa. The world famous singer died at 70 on her native island of Sao Vicente about three months after retiring from the stage. She had been suffering health issues for a while and had had a few surgeries over the past few years, including an open-heart operation in May 2010. “I don’t have the strength, the energy anymore. I want you to tell my fans that I’m sorry but I have to rest now. I am sorry I have to retire because of health issues. I wish I could have given pleasure to those who follow me for much more time” she had told French newspaper Le Monde when she announced her retirement last September 23 rd . She was in good shape on stage at the Parisian venue Grand Rex in April 2011 but her unhealthy heart, which had fai...

Marta Topferova, World Village WME Top 20 Folkloric/Traditional Women Vocalists 1. Mariza (Portugal) 2. Cristina Branco (Portugal) 3. Cesaria Evora (Cape Verde) 4. Lura (Cape Verde/Portugal) 5. Savina Yannatou (Greece) 6. Oumou Sangare (Mali) 7. Rokia Traore (Mali) 8. Lila Downs (US/Mexico) 9. Monica Salmaso (Brazil) 10. Tania Libertad (Peru) 11. Mariana Montalvo (Chile/France) 12. Barbara Luna (Argentina) 13. Marta Topferova (US) 14. Sui Vesan (Czech Republic) 15. Jenny Wilhelms (Finland) 16. Julie Fowlis (Scotland) 17. Uxia (Spain) 18. Marina Rossell (Spain) 19. Estrella Morente (Spain) 20. Omara Portuondo (Cuba) Women or Mixed Voice Ensembles 1. Faraualla (Italy) 2. Kitka (US) 3. Corou de Berra (France) This wasn't an easy list to compile.  Many fabulous vocalists weren't included, such as Native American, Indian classical, jazz, blues, bluegrass, or American folk artists.  I'll compile ...

Cesaria Evora Nha sentimento Lusafrica Nancy Vieira Lus (release date November 2009) World Village Last March a news brief regarding a minor stroke suffered by Cape Verdean vocalist, Cesaria Evora appeared on World Music Central . The musician had flown to Australia to perform at WOMADELAIDE and she suffered a stroke prior to the festival performance. Needless to say her performance was cancelled leaving disappointed fans in the wake. This month brings us happier news since the 66-year old Evora releases the recording, nha sentimento on Lusafrica. The press release described the recording, “Cesaria ventures further afield than ever before, twisting Arabic musical traditions into bluesy sinuous compositions from some of Cape Verde’s best songwriters.” The result sunny Cape Verdean repertoire with Egyptian exoticism produced by longtime friend and collaborator Manuel de Novas (who recently passed away) with songs arranged by Egyptian Fathy Salama. Again—the ...

Bob Marley & The Wailers Exodus Island Records Cesaria Evora Sao Vicente Windham Hill Records/BMG Spring in the Pacific Northwest usually consists of two sunny days followed by a week or two of clouds, rain and wind. And if that is not enough to lower a person's spirit, then add the darkness of an economy that wreaks of a divide and conquer mentality--not to mention perpetuates more fear on the planet. I decided to empower myself. I took up Kundalini yoga as a practice and I found powerful recordings at my local library. Starting with the classic Bob Marley & The Wailer's recording, Exodus (Movement of Jah People) . I have been listening to this recording while performing the yoga exercises. The line, "Are you satisfied with the life you're living?" strikes home with me. The answer is "No, I am not satisfied and I won't be until we all learn to live more harmoniously on the planet." Do I want to be freed from the darkness and grie...