The Soul of Cape Verde
This 19-song compilation features a wide variety of artists from this small but influential island off the Senegalese coast. Opening withCesaria Evoraand an early tune, "Papa Joachim Paris," the album visits luminaries like Simentera, Paulino Vieira, and Tito Paris and introduces you to many less famous but deserving names. Real roots come from the Mindel Band with a raw violin and a perpetual groove. Luis Morais's band is jazzy and fun. Voz de Cabo Verde are sweet and homey. The album closes with a live, lush, yet ragged "Lundum" by Vieira and Celina Pereira, a perfect island tune of slight melody and lots of feeling.--Louis Gibson