Source:
https://scmp.com/article/407933/barefoot-diva-treads-her-way-softly-through-slow-burning-serenade

The Barefoot Diva treads her way softly through a slow-burning serenade

Cesaria Evora

Cultural Centre Concert Hall

Ends tonight. Sold out

Halfway through her first sell-out show at the Cultural Centre on Saturday night, Cesaria Evora announced an instrumental number and took a break.

Sitting at a small table next to the grand piano at centre stage, she picked up a packet of Marlboro reds, flashed it at the audience with a cheeky smile and proceeded to light up and inhale before picking up the microphone again.

Her voice, enchantingly soft yet powerfully emotional, then filled the auditorium like a cloud of smoke again, each note hanging in the air, lacking the gravelly brashness of other forms of blues and challenging notions of the ill-effects of her habit on the voice.

Were there any, she left them in her Cape Verdean home for they were not in evidence as she delivered the unique morna style that has won her fans worldwide.

Those fans in the audience were treated to all they had expected and more. The Barefoot Diva did indeed take to the stage without shoes. She was accompanied by seven musicians, including wonderful violinist Julian Corrales Subida, and in her no-nonsense and seemingly effortless way, immersed them in the soulful folk music of her homeland.

Evora's Creole-Portuguese music is a mixed bag of influences reflecting the history of the African island from where she stems, which has evolved with many parallels to Brazilian and Cuban styles.

For those experiencing it for the first time, it could have been an eye-opening - or confusing - evening. For it is a slow-burning serenade better suited to more intimate settings than even the Concert Hall can provide.

And without an understanding of the lyrics - mournful and loaded with the tragedies of history inflicted on her people - it is not an easy form to embrace.

Yet, transcending language, Evora's incredible presence and vocal magic, made for a rewarding experience.