Review – Carminho [Portugal]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twneT6uY9TA] 

So what happened is this: Carminho glided out onto stage, took a deep breath, and proceeded to pour out her hot molten soul all over the audience, dissolving us down into absolute nothingness. This is what the Portuguese call Fado, and they are very serious about it.

Carminho is one of the rising stars of the genre, taking a contemporary sensibility to traditional songs by mixing in elements of Brazilian popular music, jazz and folk. This modern approach may be the reason she eschewed the black shawl traditionally worn by fado singers, or perhaps that was more down to the searing Australian summer heat.

Although she was ably backed by two classical guitars and one round Portuguese guitar, Carminho was at her very best when the instruments faded away and the power of her lone, mournful voice could be appreciated in isolation. It was positively spine-tingling at moments, and soul enriching in its entirety. Come back soon, Carminho, we already have Saudades.