Fado: A alma de Portugal

Fado is, without a doubt, the soul of Portugal.

Designated "World Immaterial and Cultural Patrimony" by UNESCO in 2011, this lyrical Portuguese music of love, loss, and passion is enjoying a  global resurgence — and while the best place to go to hear traditional fado is undoubtedly Portugal, the second-best may well be right here in Southeastern New England.

Fado is to Portugal what the blues are to the rural American south. Characterized by minor-key laments about universal hardships like poverty, life at sea, and heartbreak, fado is widely considered the world's oldest form or urban folk music, having developed in the cafes of Lisbon in the early 1800's. Though almost universally melancholic and highly expressive, fado is nonetheless ripe for improvisation, with each singer creating their own unique and unmistakable style.

Ana Lains, a fadista (a female fado singer) who performed in Lowell, Mass. in late July, described the dynamic nature of fado. “Fado — like jazz, flamenco or tango — cannot stand still, because time doesn’t stop,” she said.

Modern fado has brought the genre into the 21st century, finding new audiences worldwide. Often incorporating instruments such as piano, violin, and accordion, modern fado signers have also begun combining fado with other genres. Mariza is probably the most popular among this generation of modern fadistas; the (new) queen of fado. This recipient of several World Music wards is currently on a tour of the northeast, with stops from Massachusetts to New Jersey.

Her new album, "Mundo", described by Songlines as “stunning, shimmering” and “simply breathtaking,” is a vibrant musical travelogue that journeys from Cape Verde to Spain, and from Argentina to Portugal. Mariza’s music creates a modern and contemporary sound, all the while keeping her roots grounded in her native country.

Mariza will be performing at The Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford on October 22. At press time, her show has sold out at the box office, but tickets are still available at other tour stops as well as through authorized resellers. "The Z" hosts several fado performers every year; visit zeiterion.org for a schedule of acts and to sign up to receive event alerts via email.