Product Review

Fantcha's dulcet tone belies the same casual beauty and beguiling, dulcet charm that makes Césaria Evora such an unforgettable vocalist. Indeed, Evora became Fantcha's mentor two decades ago. This method of singing is the enchanting "morna" style indigenous to Cape Verde. Members of Evora's group and other prominent Cape Verdean musicians back Fantcha on this album. These include her musical director, Bau, and composer and producer Paulino Vieria. These moving melodies are sung in Portuguese. The full-color CD booklet gives the words to each song in Portuguese and English along with explanatory notes. Criolinha is a collection of sadly poignant and touching songs from a gifted vocalist refined with world-class tutelage. By Tom Schulte All Music