Dan¿¿a Ma Mi: Dance With Me

by Maria de Barros

Overview

The seductive, ultra-romantic, gracefully exotic follow-up to Maria de Barros' stunning debut, Nha Mundo (My World), does exactly what the English translation of the title promises -- it invites listeners to dance, slowly then quickly then slowly again, to the various rhythmic energies of her native West African homeland. Her record label bills de Barros as a "Cabo Verdean chanteuse," largely as a matter of identifying her ancestry and musical palette, but the singer hails from nearby Senegal, for those interested in musical geography. The Cape Verdean islands are decidedly more colorful, situated as they are at a location where the cultures of three continents intermingle and fashioning native styles from a swirl of African, Argentinean, Portuguese, and Cuban rhythms. The land's most renowned legend is Cesaria Evora, the five-time Grammy-winning "barefoot diva" who just happens to be de Barros' godmother and number one influence. But the younger singer isn't a complete disciple, as Evora is known for her melancholy mornas and de Barros -- whose raspy, emotional voice bears a favorable comparison to that of Gloria Estefan -- is being touted as "Queen of the Coladeiras," a salsa-styled dance music. Danca Ma Mi is a bright and sexy, soul-sparking romantic party collection, centered around de Barros' colorful interaction with adult and children's choirs and dazzling, alternately thick and sparse percussion textures. It plays like a travelogue of the heart for those who will never visit these islands, from mornas to coladeiras to merengue-like funana rhythms. Even if the listener can't distinguish which rhythm is which, it's still a vibrant musical experience. And since she's singing in her native language, English-speaking fans will enjoy the challenge of feeling de Barros' wide array of sorrows and joys sans the benefit of lyrical translation. ~ Jonathan Widran

Product Details

Release Date:	03/15/2005
Label:	Narada
UPC:	0724357827720

Tracks

1. Amor Luz
2. Oh Menel
3. Bo Ke Nha Boy
4. Espa¿¿o Infinito
5. El Tambem J'Dame
6. Caresse Moi
7. Pazinho Laxa
8. Um Tem Um Amor
9. Nos Tradi¿¿on
10. Rosinha
11. Sol Di Manha
12. Onmai

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Maria de Barros   Primary Artist,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Phillipe Luchansky   Cello
Dicki Tavares   Guitar,Guitar
Zerui Depina   Cavaquinho,Cavaquinho
Carlos Montiero   Drums
Brandie Brito   Vocals (Background)
Vivianne Monteiro   Vocals (Background)
Sonya Shepard   Vocals (Background)
Alicia Lima   Vocals (Background)
Lutchinha Leite   Vocals (Background)
T.K.   Vocals (Background)
Cassio Duarte   Percussion
Bill Brendle   Accordion
Grecco Buratto   Guitar
Timothy S. Mayer   Clarinet,Sax (Soprano)
Manuel Pires   Gaita
Mitchell Long   Guitar
Ron Kalina   Harmonica
Ramon Stagnaro   Guitar
Danny Luchansky   Guitar,Keyboards
Djim Job   Bass,Vocals (Background)
Jack Pina   Vocals (Background)
Djuta Barros   Vocals (Background)
Joao "Fefe" Alfredo   Vocals (Background)
Carlos "Kalu" Monteiro   Drums,Vocals (Background)
Adeline Azevedo   Vocals (Background)
Brittany DaGraca   Vocals (Background)
Sandy Silva   Vocals (Background)
Philippe Luchansky   Cello
Norberto Tavares   Vocals (Background)
Calu Bana   Vocals (Background)
Christina Goff   Vocals (Background)
Ingrid Monteiro   Vocals (Background)
Nilton Andrade   Vocals (Background)
Jayde Santos   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Danny Luchansky   Audio Production,Arranger,Engineer,Producer,Digital Editing
Esmeraldo Grao   Composer
Mel Wilson   Composer
Ramiro Mendes   Composer
Bobby Holland   Photography
Maria de Barros   Composer
Ron McMaster   Mastering
Mauricio Guerrero   Mixing
Danny Carvalho   Composer
Paulino Vieira   Composer
Djim Job   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Marijose Alie   Composer
Mona Lisa Murray   Hair Stylist
Cristihan Gutterre   Design
MaryJean Frieson   Design
Carlos "Kalu" Monteiro   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Connie Gage   Design
Ano Nobo   Composer
Vince Tanzilli   Photo Assistance