If you think that Samba and Bossa Nova are the only worthwhile sounds for the Portuguese language, you’re in for a treat once you discover the sounds of Fado. Essentially an Iberian form of blues, this style of music mixes the gypsy feel of the Iberian peninsula with seductive lilts of Brazil. This album features vocalist/guitarists Pierre Aderne and Brian Cullman, vocalist Brian Cullman and producer Dirk Niepoort culling together with a rotating team of musicians to take you to the small café’s of Lisbon. As one who has sought out these sounds in Portugal, I can attest that the only thing missing here is a plate of bacalhau.
The songs alternate between English and Portuguese, with Aderne’s folksy soto voce working well with the chiming guitars on “Fado Silencio” the lilting “Home Before Dark” and dueting with Liliana Macedo or Liz Rosa on the respectively bohemian “Fado Tinto” and “Vida De Estrela.” Tanner Walle gives an American feel to “Natural As Love” and Cullman takes you to the campfire for “White Or Red.” The sensuous strings go from classical to mandolin to even banjo, but always swaying with passion. If you take this in while you dip some bread into your ciel de strella cheese, you’ll get a hint of heaven.