"Another hot sunny day in bustling Brighton and the opportunity of a trip to the lazy beach town of Littlehampton to see Carmen Souza (from Portugal but of Cabo Verdean descent) playing a local show at the Wickbourne Centre is too good to miss. Finally, after over a year of listening to her gentle smiling voice and soulful jazz, I get to see how the band create that sea of sound. Listening to a band live, in my book, is the genuine thing and a true test of the artist's creativity. Carmen's manner is welcoming and her voice has a delicate warmth and a subtle vibrato, she plays keyboards and guitar but almost so you wouldnt notice. She is joined by her producer and co-writer Theo Pas'cal on bass, Orlanda Guilande as backing vocalist and
percussionist, and Paulo Sergio on keyboards. Its Portuguese Day in Littlehampton and so the Portuguese community (and there is one) and other friendly locals have turned out. My pal and I suspect they're not sure whats in store and might have wanted Fado or some Brazilian dance music but there is a respectful hush for Carmen whose music is probably unknown to them. Like a gentle sea breeze, almost imperceptible at first, the music opens with Carmens voice and when Orlanda starts to sing, using her voice as a musical instrument as one might expect from an artist like Flora Purim, I am spellbound. Orlanda's voice control is profound and its strength no doubt comes from her professional background, but genuinely complements Carmen's without overpowering it and their harmonies are very beautiful. Following their live performance at Womad, Carmen has introduced more Cabo Verdean and African elements to her new 'Special Roots' edition which is very welcome, and favourites like Mar na Corazon show how the song has developed. With Orlanda's African chants on Maçalla (from Theo Pas'cal's own album and based on a Mozambican theme) the d
ancing starts. On stage the imaginative playing and interaction of Theo on bass and Paulo on keyboards gives the evening a jazzier dimension and, as the second set draws to a close, Carmen sings one of my favourite songs of the album "S. Anton meou comde". Just the two voices in harmony, a clay pot as bass, and a touch of guitar, and the melody unfolds - worth waiting for. This band work and live together as a family and you can feel that in the way they play. Carmen's whistful music is somewhere between jazz, folk, and Africa. Seek out "Ess ê nha Cabo Verde: Special Roots Edition" CD, but next time she is around your neighbourhood, get out to see her - rain or shine."Wickbourne Center Concert review
by Marilyn Pannett at Littlehampton Gazette
Spring 2006 has been so long and chilly it seemed that summer would never arrive. But Saturday 10th June turned out to be the first seriously hot evening of the year which was perfect timing for the Roots around the World team. Following Carmen Souza’s success at Womad 2005 it was a coup to have her play at the Wickborne Centre Littlehampton as part of the celebrations of Portugal Day.
Carmen creates her own special soothing sounds of Cape Verde/roots/jazz.Born a generation away from the shores of the islands Carmen (Vocals, guitar, keyboards) reaches deep into her spirit, her roots, to compose lyrics of profound sincerity and freshness. Orlanda Guilande (Backing vocals, African drum) has a voice that demonstrates power and yet gentle restraint. Clearly sharing a special sister-ship with Carmen, they weave harmonies of clear purity and balance. Paulo Sergio (keyboards) augments the jazz/rhythm element of this talented group of friends. Theo Pas’cal’s (Bass, double bass, keyboards, Afro jazz guitars and percussion) musical workmanship guided the set through a satisfying array of complex rhythms such as Batuque, kilampanga, funana and morna (blues).
What better for a hot, hot night, some cool almost baptismal sounds with a good strong intellectually satisfying musical base. Soothing and stimulating for the mind as well as the body.
Buy the cd at : http://www.capeverdeinlondon.co.uk/
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