The weather was warm, the crowd was a pleasant New York mix of suits, hipsters, hippies and yuppies, and everyone was equally thrilled to be given the rare chance to see world music superstar Cesaria Evora live.
Seu Jorge Opens
The night opened with a short set from Brazilian guitarist Seu Jorge, best known in America for his performance as Pele, that ubiquitous "dude with the guitar" who played David Bowie songs in Portuguese in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. Jorge's guitar playing is brilliant, his music rootsy and his sense of humor endearing. His music being calm and gentle, yet fiery, he was a perfect choice as an opener for Cesaria Evora. Being Brazilian, he shares an Afro-Portuguese cultural connection with Cape Verdeans as well. He talked for a bit on stage about The Life Aquatic experience, and about David Bowie. He admitted that he used to confuse David Bowie and Billy Idol, but once he got deeper into the music, he realized that David Bowie was a genius. He played two David Bowie songs, including the crowd favorite, "Rebel Rebel".
The Diva Takes The Stage
After about a half-hour set from Jorge, Cesaria Evora took the stage, with a 9-piece band. Cesaria Evora is not a Celine Dion-esque singer with wild facial contortions and vocal hijinks. Rather, her songs are smooth and warm, yet filled with heartache and sorrow. A common complaint about Evora's music is that "it all sounds the same", but I think that has something to do with American ears being primed for "the high note", and we have a hard time finding the beauty in simplicity.
In the same sense, Evora is not a "performer". She does not dance, throw her hands wildly into the air, or even smile much. Her band seems to enjoy teasing her, and in return, she'll throw a few understated shimmies or grins at the audience, which are all the more appreciated because they're so rare.
In the same sense, Evora is not a "performer". She does not dance, throw her hands wildly into the air, or even smile much. Her band seems to enjoy teasing her, and in return, she'll throw a few understated shimmies or grins at the audience, which are all the more appreciated because they're so rare.
Highlights
It's difficult to find highlights in a Cesaria Evora live show, because the bar is set so high to begin with, and never dipped below, the whole performance seems extraordinary. The truly noteworthy aspects of the show were ongoing. As for the band, Evora's saxophonist was the most animated of the bunch by far, and an extremely talented and smooth musician to boot. Her violinist was also very impressive. He played a five-string violin, which has an extra low string (giving it the range of both a violin and a viola) and, being such a voice-like instrument, the low notes complemented Evora's smooth contralto perfectly.
One funny moment during the show happened when Evora took a cigarette break mid-set. Onstage. In Smoke-Free New York. The crowd loved it.
One funny moment during the show happened when Evora took a cigarette break mid-set. Onstage. In Smoke-Free New York. The crowd loved it.
The Bottom Line
The show ended with an encore, which began with the well-known longtime Latin hit "Besame Mucho", and wrapped up with a reprise of "Africa Nossa", a surprisingly upbeat song about how Africans around the world must band together to create a better world. A fitting ending for a lovely night.
If Cesaria Evora comes to your town, you'd be a fool to miss her performance. Remember, though, that you must remind yourself not to wait for a high note or a dance sequence... it won't come. Instead, just close your eyes and let the music wash over you. After all, that's what she does.
If Cesaria Evora comes to your town, you'd be a fool to miss her performance. Remember, though, that you must remind yourself not to wait for a high note or a dance sequence... it won't come. Instead, just close your eyes and let the music wash over you. After all, that's what she does.
