Amplexo

What does it currently take to stand out from the massive crowd of new fadistas that keeps growing by the day? Either you have a stunning voice, triggering a special emotional response, or you come up with an original and much needed new perspective on how fado may sound in a contemporary fashion. Inês de Vasconcellos, like most contenders, has neither for now. That does not mean she is not a capable and competent singer – which she is, and she proves so with the poignant delivery of ‘De Onde Vens’, and the heartfelt singing in ‘Brincadeira’. But she still doesn’t go that extra mile.

Inês de Vasconcellos has duly surrounded herself with the talent of producer Ricardo Cruz (António Zambujo, Ana Moura), lyricists Vasco Graça Moura, Maria do Rosário Pedreira and Capicua, and songwriters such as Mário Pacheco and Tiago Machado. But while this carefully curated team provides her with a good chunk of material, they do not secure her the spotlight she is chasing.

Inês de Vasconcellos is an experienced voice in Lisbon’s fado clubs, but her debut album is occasionally a bit too light and she is not yet clear on the role she will be claiming in the genre’s future. That said, Amplexo is a solid enough record, but it will take a stronger statement to make it to the big time.