Cesaria Evora: Voz D'Amor

By GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * *)

Cape Verde singer Evora is a bit Sandie Shaw if your memory goes that far back, and like that 60s pop singer performs barefoot. But there the similarity ends because this sixtysomething, whiskey-sipping, thrice married, serial smoking grandmother is more like a one-woman Buena Vista.

She sings melodic songs of love and loss with a sprightliness which belies her age. They have a romantic, tropical quality but are of great emotional depth. She sings barefoot to remind her of her humble upbringing and as a symbol of solidarity with those less fortunate in her homeland.

This musically seductive album - the title is Voice of Love in Portuguese - addresses forbidden love, the plight of working women, yearning for the homeland when away, and the fickle nature of women. The lyrics are available in translation but it is her ageless, warm and sweet voice, and the acoustic-framed songs coloured by delicate electric guitar, soft saxophone and Latin percussion, which entice you in.

Sensuous, sad ballads alongside uptempo traditional numbers and aching songs of passion having passed make for an alluring collection.

Label: BMG