Stória, Stória…

Mayra Andrade’s confident 2006 debut Navega (reviewed in #44), brought her widespread acclaim. She was one of a number of exciting new expatriot Cape Verde artists, such as Lura, Tcheka and Sara Tavares, all united by the international perspective and influences they brought to Cape Verde music – something which contrasted with Cesaria Evora’s more traditional approach. Mayra’s charisma and good looks have ensured that she has received the largest share of the limelight. And she will surely continue to do so with this, her second album.

Stória, Stória lacks the rawness and passion of Navega, but Mayra was always at her best on the huskier numbers. And most of the songs here are husky, from ‘Seu’, on which modern morna flirts with bossa nova, to the smoochy ‘Palavraj with its tinkling vibes and jazzy piano keyboards, and the lush, swirling cascades of strings on ‘Morena’ and ‘Menina Linda’. There are concessions to her loyal European market with upbeat numbers such as ‘Badiu Si’ and the African soulfulness on ‘Nha Darnáxa’. And the French get what seems to be the statutory French-language song for Cape Verde singers – many of whom have been Paris-based since Cesaria moved there.

But this is a disc where the laid-back, MPB-mood and slick production style see it aimed principally at the other side of the Atlantic – at the larger and more lucrative markets of the US and Brazil. Mayra has toured extensively in the former since Navega became successful and has been courting Brazilians ever since – singing duets on the cobbles of São Paulo with Mariana Aydar in 2007.