Lina – Fado Camões (Galileo MC, 2024)
Lina’s new album, Fado Camões, spotlights her expressive and exquisite fado voice as she leads us to an intimate dive into the classic poetry of Portugal’s legendary wordsmith, Luís Vaz de Camões.
Teaming up with the talented guitarist and producer Justin Adams, known for his work with music giants like Robert Plant and Rachid Taha, Fado Camões takes you on a personal journey through the works of Camões. Lina shares, “I got curious about Camões’ poetry; beyond ‘The Lusíadas’ or the ‘Sonetos.’ Themes of change, love, childhood, and nature adapted perfectly to fado.“
Portuguese poet Nuno Júdice praises the pairing of Lina’s voice with Camões’ poetry as a magical return to Portugal’s Iberian spirit. After the hit album Lina_Raül Refree, expectations are high. In 2020, it snagged the World Music Charts Europe Album of the Year and the Carlos do Carmo Prize 2021.
Justin Adams, a wizard at mixing tradition with contemporary vibes, brings a unique flavor to this musical fusion. The result is a Lina that’s both familiar and fresh.
Listen for the Africanized swing in tracks like ‘Quando veria vos’ or the Latin rhythm in the duet ‘O que temo e o que desejo’ with Rodrigo Cuevas. Lina’s voice, intertwined with Portuguese guitar chords, paints scenes of melancholy and celebration.
The album’s cast includes Pedro Viana on Portuguese guitar; John Bagott on piano/keyboards (known for Massive Attack and Portishead); and Ianina Khmelik on violin. Lina says, “This album focuses more on language, writing, and poetry.” Yet, collaborations, like with Amélia Muge on ‘Senhora minha,’ demonstrate the beauty of shared creativity.
Don’t miss the Fado Camões Tour starting January 2024. Lina will appear on vocals, synthesizers, and percussion, joined by Pedro Viana, Ianina Khmelik, and the occasional appearance of John Baggott. Even with the tour, Lina remains a fixture at Lisbon’s Fado Club, calling it “vocal and emotional training” for her soul-stirring performances.
Let’s remember Luís Vaz de Camões, Portugal’s poetic maestro. His influence is so profound that Portuguese is sometimes dubbed the ‘language of Camões.’
Musicians: Lina on vocals; John Baggott on Fender Rhodes, piano, drum programming, Moog Bass;
Justin Adams on percussion, guitar, and programming; and Pedro Viana on Portuguese guitar.
Buy Fado Camões.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
