Amália Classics on Portuguese Guitar

While never the diva, Custódio Castelo has nevertheless been an animating presence in the world of fado for many decades now. As a guitarist - and frequently composer and producer too - he has supported many of the big names: Nuno da Câmara Pereira, Carlos do Carmo, Fernando Farinha, Cristina Branco, Mariza, Mísia and Camané among others. The present disc is the third of a trilogy of recordings with ARC that puts his chosen instrument, the 12-string Portuguese guitar, centre stage. His only accompaniment is the acoustic guitars of Carlos Garcia and Maximo Ciuro.

The material comprises classic numbers from the repertoire of Amália Rodrigues, the so-called ‘Queen of Fado’. Castelo accompanied her on her last tour of the US in the 1990s, and since 2020 is her centenary year, it's a fitting tribute. His performances and arrangements show what a wonderful musician he is. Listen, for example, to the vitality and wit he puts across in the up-tempo ‘Fui Ao Mar Buscar Sardinhas’, while even in the most melancholy of fados, such as ‘Lágrima’, his sound feels warm, golden and life-enhancing.