À Flor da Pele

It was inevitable that fado, like any other musical genre, would find a new audience (even in its home country) due to its more popular forms. Therefore, Mariza’s broader world music signature style easily caught the untrained ear – regardless of its merit. Just as Ana Moura’s subtle, poppier version of the Portuguese song has turned into a national favourite.

But this new generation of fadistas has been particularly reinvigorated by a wide range of styles. The world still has to get acquainted with the most recent newcomer, Carminho, whose tremendous, raw voice comes straight from the guts, but it is certainly about time to go and listen to Joana Amendoeira. Her fado is one of a discreet and luminous singing, although it’s not the kind to make you fall head over heels right away. It’s more likely to win you over thanks to its beautiful and bare traditional approach.

Quite possibly her best studio work so far, À Flor da Pele was originally released in 2006, and Amendoeira has since recorded a live album with the Mar Ensemble – a mini-orchestral alternative to her usual band – although just as classical and sober. Barely 30 years old, Amendoeira has been recording fados for half her life and, surprisingly enough, has been able to steadily prove her point and convince everyone that age is nothing but a minor detail. Amendoeira’s fado doesn’t come with fireworks, but it lasts longer this way.