Pacific Coast Jazz - Ramana Vieira

Ramana Vieira
Art Sherrod

Ramana Vieira sings with such a wide range of emotions one cannot help but be mesmerized by images of “old world” Portugal that emerge from the depths of her soul. Her extraordinary gift of bringing this 15th century style into modern times is her unique trademark. Often referred to as the “New Voice of Portuguese World Music,” this powerful vocalist is making her mark as one of the premier contemporary Fado artists. According to the Portuguese, Fado is a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues as it tells stories of heartache and disappointment. The essence of the poetry is the quality of “saudade,” a word that is difficult to translate as it expresses a myriad of feelings.

In her new release, “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen),” Ramana has solidified her place as an artist who understands the tradition of Fado singing and continues to creatively construct a path into the future by combining new musical textures and original compositions. Many of the songs on the CD are inspired by Ramana’s main influence, Amália Rodrigues, known as the"Rainha do Fado" ("Queen of Fado") and who is attributed to popularizing the Fado worldwide.

“Ramana Vieira, a rising star in World Music.” ~San Francisco Examiner

“The new voice of Portuguese World music” ~Antonio Olilveira, Mundo Portuguese

Amalia
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This is My Fado
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Lagrimas de Rainha
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Foi Deus
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“No one in the United States is doing more to breathe new life into Fado than Ramana Vieira, a sultry, dramatic singer.”
~Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco Chronicle
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“I have had the opportunity to interview and listen to a number of artists in the Portuguese Community. I found by listening to Ramana's album a sense of deepest sympathy towards the "Fado" its roots and a commitment to keep Fado alive.” ~Joao Manuel Dias, KSQQ Portuguese Radio

“Portuguese Fado music is extremely melodic and beautiful and so are the talents of Ramana Vieira. Her voice and her music are as sincere and beautiful as the language and lands of the Acores. I was mesmerized by her …” ~Mayor Shelia Young, City of San Leandro

While recent Fado successes have focused on the still, reflective side of the poetry driven folk style, Ramana Vieira’s approach is kinetic and powerful. The singer’s stunning rendition of the late Amália Rodrigues classic “Estranha Forma De Vida” acknowledges the lineage amidst a stately piano arrangement.” ~Starbucks Hearmusic.com

“She is gifted with a voice that is both breathtaking and intoxicating." ~AK Music and Talent

For more information: www.ramanavieira.net

PCJ Press Release on Ramana Vieira Joining the Family

Ramana's One Sheet (click)

Listen to Coimbra here

Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen) will be in stores March 24th and on radio in late February (2009).

BUY here: or direct from Ramana: