Lisboa A Solta

“Lisbon on the loose” is a high quality album spearheaded by classically trained virtuoso flutist Susan Palma-Nidel who assembled wonderful Portuguese musicians to collaborate on these songs; Portuguese music has not received the attention in the U.S. that French and Spanish language music has, but it should; it is very diverse with many global influences and often a lot of emotional resonance.

NO FCC's; Favorite tracks: 2, 3, 5, 6,7, 9, 11

1—Os Indios de meia-praia –3:20-- pretty instrumentals with some interesting instruments under the flute and chorus – lively and upbeat

*2 –Foi por ela –5:36 – very pretty accompaniment and singing, very legato with lovely little celeste-type flourishes

*3 –As certezas do meu mais brilhante amor- 4:53-- pretty flute tune with the pensive tones of Portuguese strings beneath

4-Velho Mondego –3:51 – simple guitar and flute; quiet but deep

*5 – E Levantou-se o Araial—5:02—sets up interesting little vamp under a very low contralto; catchy!

*6 – Cancao –2:48-- famous Portuguese song – done very simply and beautifully

*7 –Cancao com lagrimas –5:52-- “song with tears” powerfully sung with interesting modulating accompaniment and background beats

8 –A morte saui a rua –3:14 – upbeat with strong flute playing

*9 –Fado Lopes/Meditano –4:09-- begins with guitar on melody; flute comes in and they dance together languidly until rhythm picks way up in last third of piece

10- Meu Fado meu-4:53-- sweet sad sound of fado; cello begins followed by flute; wonderfully strong playing; singer comes in two thirds of the way

*11-- Maria Lisboa—3:27-- very lively; flute and supporting instruments are captivating

12 –Ao longo de um claro rio de agua doce 5:24 – “along a clear river of sweet water,” evocative and sweet with lovely lyrics that segue to pretty chorus