Cesaria Evora is from Cape Verde, which lies about 300 miles off the west coast of Africa and was colonized by the Portuguese in the 1400s. I realize that this is a CD review, not a social studies lesson, but when you listen to the African-style percussion and her Portuguese lyrics, my mentioning it makes sense. Ah, yes, her lyrics… Should I admit that the first time I heard Cesaria, I wasn’t sure if I was listening to a man or a woman singing? When forced to decide, I figured that the singer was probably a man. Wrong! The reasons for my mistake are more apparent with certain songs, but I mean the rich alto voice no disrespect. Furthermore, my making up my own silly lyrics to make up for my linguistic shortcomings (i.e. I don’t speak Portuguese) is similarly not intended in disrespect. I just wish I could sing along, so sometimes I compensate…

Cesaria Evora has released several cds, and she’s best classified as Latin Jazz. This 2003 CD is a collection of electronic remixes of her previous songs, and it’s a great CD for anyone in the mood for interesting combinations. The songs remixed on this CD are “Petit Pays,” “Nho Antone Escarderode,” “Besame Mucho,” “Bondade e Maldade,” “Sodade,” “Negue,” “Miss Perfumado,” “Nutridinha,” “Sangue de Beirona,” and “Angola (three versions).” The first remix of “Angola,” which is the second track on the CD and remixed by Carl Craig, is my favorite. It starts with mild techno-rhythms over more traditional bongos and hand-clapping. As with the other songs, Cesaria’s vocals remain the anchor. As the song progresses, Nine-Inch-Nail-like keyboards and then cymbals are layered over the other elements of the song, but the arrangement remains balanced.

Some songs on the CD are better than others (I don’t care for “Bondade e Maldade” because it strikes me as the kind of thing I’d image would be playing at the Gap), but all the songs are interesting, and there are plenty of fun songs here to make this a worthwhile addition to your Latin Jazz or electronic music collection. It’s a great CD to play as background music while you’re working. It’s also a great CD to dance to. Alone. When no one is watching. As bad as my Portuguese is, I regret that my dancing can be even worse. Cesaria’s music again whisks me away from my limitations!