The reigning princess of Fado, Carminho, graced Montreal’s Theatre Outremont with a captivating performance last night as part of her grand three-week North American tour.
Accompanied by a talented ensemble of fellow musicians, Carminho presented her self-produced sixth opus, “Portuguesa,” released in March of this year. Her enchanting performance at the renowned and historic Montreal venue left the audience with hearts and minds full of wonder.
“Portuguesa” is a milestone in Carminho’s illustrious career, serving as her sixth album, and features 14 compositions.
Among these tracks, several boast lyrics and music penned by Carminho herself, in collaboration with other talented authors.
Beyond her vocal prowess, Carminho showcases her creative versatility as she undertakes the production of her album and the composition of original traditional Fado songs.
Her dedication to reinvigorating the Fado genre is palpable as she dives deep into her exploration of this musical form.
In a quest to deepen her understanding of Fado, Carminho fearlessly explores various combinations within the traditional canons, rethinking the very form that has shaped her musical journey.
Between songs, she vividly describes that Fado is traditionally “machoistic” by nature.
Men own the Fado houses and also write the poetry that is used as lyrics in songs given to women. Carminho breaks this mold by changing the gender of protagonists in her songs and also writing her own lyrics.
Her ability to move effortlessly within the waters of Fado, a realm that is undoubtedly her own, was a highlight of the evening, leaving the audience in awe of both her mastery of technique and delivery as well and her fine sense of quirky, linguistic humor .
Carminho’s connection to Fado, often described as the soul of Portugal, runs deep, and it was evident throughout the night. Born into a family deeply rooted in Fado, her mother’s Fado house served as her childhood haven, where she absorbed the essence of this melancholic and heartfelt music.
“Portuguesa” stands as a testament to her unwavering respect for the genre’s roots while infusing it with a fresh and contemporary perspective that mirrors the world that inspires her.
The 38-year-old fadista is not just a local treasure but an international icon, admired by fans across the globe. Carminho’s voice, one of the purest and most passionate in the Fado genre, adds a depth of emotion that is both fervent and melancholic.
Carminho’s performance at Theatre Outremont left the audience with a profound appreciation for the genre, its history, and the contemporary twist she brought to it.
Her ability to capture the essence of Fado while making it accessible and relevant to modern audiences is a testament to her exceptional talent.
The night was an unforgettable experience, and Carminho, undoubtedly the current princess of Fado, continues her deep work as an author, performer, cultural aggregator and the ultimate inspiration for a contemporary Portugal.
Carminho’s ultimate performance is to be held next October 21st in Toronto at the St-Lawrence Center.
For more information please visit her WEBSITE