Fado

Fado's origins lie in the blend of Portuguese folk styles and other traditions imported from former Portuguese colonies in the nineteenth century. It is a particularly urban phenomenon insofaras it emerged from the cities (Lisbon and Coimbra) with its ties to both the lower class bohemia and gangland culture. The bullfighting aristocrats also soon got in on the action and a tradition was born. One of the principal movers in Coimbra fado was guitarist Artur Paredes and a truly fine example of his skill is heard on the instrumental ‘Variacoes Em Di Menor'. Amalia Rodrigues became the great dame of Fado music and to my mind offers us the most pleasurable piece on the album. At the other end of the age spectrum is Joao Pedro a young talent who came to people's attention when (in 1995) he won a renound fado competition. Vincente Da Camara entertains with an example of early aristocratic Fado, but whether your interest is in Fado or just in the origins of a cultural establishment Fado has something for all. Right up to the current toast of the scene, the beautiful Joana Amendoeira.