Carmen Souza Radio Airplay

The Spanish fans can listen to Carmen Souza music at Catalunya Rádio, Antena iCatFM on the programme DELICATESSEN.
http://www.icatfm.cat/

Carmen Souza @ La Radio Algérienne in Algiers

Carmen Souza was interviwed today morning and played live at the Radio El-Bahdja part of Radio Algérienne network. I'll try to make this live performance available soon here at Carmen website.

We are already receiving great feedback from the listeners at Carmen myspace page:

"Magnificent voice and very beautiful orchestration..."

She will be playing today-29 April- at the Nardjess Hall- Theatre de Verdure d’Alger part of the Complexe Culturel Laadi Flici at 20h00.

Carmen Souza@ Radio Gladys Palmera from Barcelona-ES

Carmen Souza and her new album Verdade will be the spotlight at the Programme "Sabrosura" by Benito Bueno, at the Radio Gladys Palmera from Barcelona.

Get the Podcast at:

http://rgpfm.podcastspot.com/episodes/997E39

Carmen Souza @ Afrika Today Magazine

Carmen Souza feature will be included in the April issue of the Magazine África Today.

This magazine released by Xangai Editora is distributed in Africa and several other countries and is known to have famous readers like Tony Blair, Bill Gates and Bill Clinton.

"Singing in Creole, puts her Cape-Verdean culture in evidence, but what makes Carmen Souza sound unique is her compositions and her «Soul» Diva voice, that creates a kind of Contemporary Jazz based on the warmth and energy of the African melody."

By Nádia Morais on África Today, Portugal

Carmen Souza @ RDP AFRICA

During the April Month Carmen Souza will be the voice of the RDP África Radio Show "SOULSTÍCIO" with António Santos.
Her song "Sem Valor" has been also on the RDP África Top 10+ songs, for several weeks.

"SOULSTÍCIO" @ http://ww1.rtp.pt/multimedia/index.php?prog=2589

You can now hear on the side of this page Carmen Souza LIVE SONGS and Interviews featuring
-Levantá no bai, Verdade ê Leviandade, Afri ká & Verdade LIVE AT ONDA JAZZ -Lisbon
-Ind'Feso LIVE AT FNAC CHIADO- Lisbon

and also :

Carmen Interview @ Piratepods.com (USA) with Hannah Lazar on 19/03/2008
http://www.piratepods.com/index.php?catid=99&keywords=carmen+souza&submit=Search

Carmen Interview@ Terra Pura (PT) with Luís Rei, released at Rádio Zero, Rádio U. Minho and Rádio Miróbriga.
http://cronicasdaterra.com/cronicas/

Carmen Interview@ BBC Global Hit (USA) with Anchor Lisa Mullins
http://www.theworld.org/?q=node/4941

and soon Carmen Souza at Radio Club show "Janela Aberta" with Ana Souza Dias and Radio Antena 1 show "Vozes da Lusofonia" with Edgar Canelas will be available here.

"Verdade" review at SONGLINES

Carmen Souza “Verdade”
Sophisticated Cape Verdean soul sister

"This album from Carmen Souza adds yet another new voice and sound to the bewildering array of Talented Cape Verdean musicians that are legion on the world music scene... Her Cape Verde tradition is as soft and sensitive as a Laura Nyro ballad-it’s a smoky, dive bar Cape Verde of subtle progressions and syncopations, of Rickie Lee Jones harmonies and Diana Krall Crooning...The result is a mellow but musically complex record that sounds pleasant at first and gets progressively more interesting on each subsequent listen. This is unquestionably one for anyone’s burgeoning Cape Verde collection, taking its place alongside Mayra Andrade, Maria de Barros, Teofilo Chantre, Tcheka, Tiolino and all the others."

***by Alex Robinson

Carmen@THE TIMES & THE INDEPENDENT

Carmen Souza dates this week previewed in second on THE TIMES Stage Top Five Jazz gigs to see by Clive Davis

"Top five jazz: Carmen Souza, Jeff Harnar, Cormac Kenevey
by Clive Davis

2 CARMEN SOUZA
Cultured singer who puts her own jazz spin on the music of her ancestral home, Cape Verde. St Mary’s Church, Churchyard, Ashford (01233 629165), Sat; Norwich Arts Centre, Reeves Yard, Norwich (www.norwichartscentre.co.uk 01603 660352), Mon; The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke (www.theanvil.org.uk 01256 844244), Tues"

See : THE TIMES ONLINE

CARMEN AT THE INDEPENDENT

Carmen Souza concert release at Momo's previewed at the Five Best Gig's by Tim Cumming.

CONCERTS UK-REVIEWS

Carmen Souza@ The Waverley-Bognor Regis 4 the childrean of Gambia

"It was a fantastic evening. Carmen, Theo and Paulo were wonderful. I can't thank them enough for such a wonderful event.They made a lot of people very happy..."
Comment by Kathryn Burrington from Nyodema-Concert promoter
Carmen and Theo Photos by Adam White/Nyodema

Audience Comments:
"Great gig at the Waverley last night,you and your band were excellent!Entertaining, thoughtful and evocative. :)"
Comment by Russell Johnson at Carmen myspace page

http://www.myspace.com/nyodema

Shiva Nova was delighted to welcome Carmen Souza and her musicians to perform as part of their Equator Series of world music, dance and theatre. The event took place in the beautiful and historic setting of St Mary's Church in Ashford. The sound of Carmen’s amazing voice accompanied by the energy of her musicians filled the rafters and was received with much enjoyment and applause. by Sarah Crow from SHIVA NOVA

Audience comments:
I was absolutely blown away by Carmen and her band...I think she is a wonderful talent with a really nice spirit. I also thoughther band were amazing...As a musician myself I was enthralled by the standard of music. "Comment by Martin Holme

Momo's REVIEWS:
By Michael Mills at capeverdeinlondon.co.uk

Three years after her last performance at the venue, Carmen Souza returned to MoMo’s in London to give a concert featuring songs from her new album, Verdade.
The many admirers squeezed into the small, intimate venue off Regent Street to hear the velvet voice of the woman who's concert featured in the Independent Newspaper as Tim Cumming’s ‘Top 5 Jazz Concerts to See.’ And they were not disappointed. From the moment Carmen started singing her first song of the night, ‘Sem Valor’ the audience were captivated. Feet were tapping and heads were singing to all of the songs sung, with the favourite easily being the uptempo and very catchy ‘Afri Ka.’
Speaking in perfect English, Carmen explained the meaning behind many of the songs she had chosen to sing on the night, which was very helpful and interesting to those in the audience who may not have understood the words. This would more than likely have been the majority, but this did not stop them attempting to join in with the lyrics.
‘Afri Ka’ was also the song Carmen chose to sing after shouts of ‘encore!’ from the dancing crowd. As I have mentioned in the past, Carmen’s fusion style will attract a wider audience than the more traditional Cape Verdean music. Particularly from followers of Jazz. I would say for this reason, Carmen is unique in this aspect.
Those parts of the UK who have yet to experience Carmen Souza have a treat ahead. If the queue of people waiting to buy her album after the concert at MoMo’s is anything to go by, they definitely won’t be disappointed.

Audience Comments:

"The Momo's concert was pure bliss. I found myself adrift in a sea of beautiful rhythms, fantastic melodies and your powerful range.Thank you for sharing your most intimate sound with us.The CD has been in rotation all day...I'm still singing Afri Ka...1Love
Comment by HKB FiNN@ Carmen myspacepage -UK

"...was fabulous last night...So cool, organic and deadly captivating!"
Comment by Derek Johnson aka Musicalist@ Carmen myspacepage- UK

Carmen Souza Ireland Debut

Striking Cape Verdean singer Carmen Souza did not disappoint on her debut Irish visit, Carmen Souza gave a captivating performance, appearing on Bray Jazz Festival's World Music Stage on Friday, 2nd May. BRAY JAZZ FESTIVAL - Pic. Robert Goode.

Carmen Souza will be playing in 2 May at the Bray Jazz Fesival in Dublin-Ireland.
Bray Jazz Festival is an international music event weekend that takes place in the North Wicklow seaside town on the May Bank Holiday weekend of each year.Established in the Millennium year, the festival has hosted performances by artists at the very cutting edge of contemporary jazz from at home and abroad - including performers from across Europe, the United States, South America, Africa and the Far East. Since it's earliest days Bray Jazz has also attracted widespread public support - and the event has become a 'date in the diary' for an ever increasing number of music lovers from both across Ireland and abroad. http://www.brayjazz.com/

Carmen Souza live at Channel SIC

Carmen Souza will be one of the musical guests at the TV program "Contacto/Contact" on 27 February.

She will be playing live the song "Verdade" of her new album.

http://sic.sapo.pt/online/entretenimento

Carmen Souza na Antena 1

Carmen Souza will be the guest of Edgar Canelas on the radio program "Vozes da Lusofonia/Voices of Lusophony".

They will be talking about Carmen new release "Verdade".

http://www.rtp.pt/antena1/

Carmen Souza @Witbymusicport Festival

Carmen Souza will be playing at the Witby musicport Festival in Uk at 18 October.

The Musicport Festival takes place in an indoor venue with capacity for 1000, over a weekend in October. It’s the only dedicated world music festival of its type in the region and had featured big names from the world music arena including Eliza Carthy and Guy Davis.

This Festival is supported by The Arts Council who say about it: "High quality world music drawn to North Yorkshire port..."

http://www.musicportfestival.com/

Carmen Souza @LOUD NEW MAGAZINE-UK

Carmen will have a feature on the next issue of Loud New Magazine(Music without boundaries) out in March and will also have a track of her new cd released in the this publication CD.

This Magazine is distributed free all over the UK and to major European cities, to music venues, recording studios, instrument stores and many other music related outlets. The magazine and CD is free to the reader.

http://www.loudnews.co.uk/Issue2.html

"Verdade" Review at www.capeverdeinlondon.co.uk

"I am pleased to say that I recently had the pleasure of listening to the soon to be released new album by Carmen Souze, 'Verdade'.

Walking through the busy streets of London, Carmen’s velvet tones singing ‘D’axam ess moment' through my MP3 took me away from the hustle and bustle and onto a deserted beach on Santo Antao.

As with her previous album, ‘Ess e nha Cabo Verde’, all of the songs are quite ‘simple’ in that only a few instruments are used on each tracks. Simple but effective. Carmen Souza herself plays both the Wurlitzer and guitar. Being as talented as she is, I wouldn’t be surprised if she played them both at the same time!

As well as other artists, Carmen’s producer feature son the album playing bass guitar and percussion.

The album feels as if it was recorded in a small Jazz club in front of an appreciative audience. In fact this album, Levanta no Bai and Pergunta sem fim in particular, has a very jazzy feel about it. A lot more so than the last.

Of all of the Cape Verdean artists we have reviewed I would say that Carmen is the least traditional. Instead she tends to use her Cape Verdean influences and creates a fusion with other forms of music.

‘In terms of the essence of the album...Verdade is even more connected to what I live and experience. I’m no longer speaking about ancient Cape Verdean stories that I’ve heard, I’m talking about my real life, what I believe, my vision ofthe world…The first album was the beginning of an experience and I followed more of my ancestors music and message: this second album Verdade is more personal; I’m not disregarding anything, but I let music and the message within me take the lead.’ (Carmen Souza Press Release)

I look forward to the long summer months, chilling out in the sun, with Verdade playing in the background.

Carmen’s album is released on March 3rd with her UK tour commencing the next day at MoMo’s in London, ending in Norwich on 29th (see the EVENTS page for more details), which will include a charity concert at The Waverley in Bognor Regis on March 15th."

Review by Michael Mills

Carmen Souza na BBCparaafrica.com

Carmen Souza will be appearing in 4 February at the program "Tribuna Cultural", a program part of the portuguese emissions at the BBC para Africa, in a interview by the jornalist Luís Cardador. She will be talking about her new record "Verdade".

This interview is published at the website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/portugueseafrica/news/story/2008/02/080205_tribunacarmensouza.shtml soon.

Carmen Souza UK TOUR

Carmen Souza Uk Promo Tour for the new record "Verdade" in March 2008 has already 7 dates confirmed and we are still booking.

In 15 March, Carmen will play at a charity concert at The Waverley in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. This concert will take place to support the charity "Nyodema" , which means ‘helping each other’ in Mandinka one of Gambia’s tribal Languages. Nyodema was formed last year with the following aims in mind:Celebrate World Music and ArtPromote Multi-cultural Awareness, Support Health and Education in West Africa.
SO SUPPORT THE CAUSE BY ATTENDING THE CONCERT, WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU!!!

http://www.myspace.com/nyodema

Carmen Souza new album

Carmen Souza second album called Verdade witch means Truth, will be released worldwide February 2008 under the label Connecting Cultures/Choice Music.
A Cd preview with 6 songs from this album will be pré-released at Womex 2007 in Spain, available at Connection Cultures/Choice Music stand.

This new album show us a more mature formula of her unique sound in her ancestors dialect, Creole, that mixes traditional African, Cape Verdian rhythms like Batuke, Cola djon, Funana and also some afro Cuban and Brazilian, with her jazz contemporary influences. The highly talented and worldwide cast of musicians, from World and jazz backgrounds, that play in this record included Jay Corre a special ‘Old School’ Sax Player that played with Buddy Rich, Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gilespie.

The album final result is beautiful, poignant and inspiring songs, in a totally intimate and acoustic vibe. Carmen once again signs all, profound meaning, lyrics of this album and the co-production, together with her long time music partner and mentor, the composer/musician/producer Theo Pas’cal.

Carmen Souza is a young and high talented singer/songwriter Luso-capeverdian.When I heard her voice for the first time, I immediately recognized she is something very special, like a crude diamond. With every spin of her record, you feel her growing and this gem shines brighter every day."Carmen’s voice is unmistakeably female, but dark, deep and earthy at the same time. You feel the colour and special atmosphere around her in every note & every moment, so you simply must listen to her again and again.Follow her smile and transfer it into music, and you will understand her outstanding feeling for lyrics and melodies.

Thomas Bandulet, Connecting Cultures/ChoiceMusic BV

You can check the lyrics for the 6 songs at:
http://www.carmensouzasongs.blogspot.com/

Stay tune for more news.........

Record deal for Carmen Souza next albums

We are happy to annouce that Carmen Souza just sign a licencing deal for worldwide distribuition with Benelux label Connectiong Cultures/Choice Music.

Connecting Cultures Records philosophy consists in trying to bring people together beyond geographic borders, religious or political differences, thanks to music.The artists produced on Connecting Cultures Records create high standard music, rooted in the tradition but clearly influenced by the sounds of today. All the albums released so far have aroused a real interest and meet an enthusiastic and growing public.Each Connecting Cultures Records cd is accompanied with an elegant hand-made booklet containing between 40 to 60 pages of information translated in three language: English, French and Spanish.

Connecting Cultures/Choice Music catalogue inclued great artists like Yasmin Levy or Marcel Khalife amoung others.

Carmen Souza second album first releases will be Portugal in february 2008 and Uk March 2008.

Carmen Souza in South Korea

Carmen Souza will be presenting her debut album in South Korea for the first time in Asia at the CHEOYONG CULTURAL FESTIVAL.

This year is the 41th anniversary of Ulsan Cheoyong Cultural Festival which is held every year in early October.The Cheoyong Cultural Festival features, in addition to Cheoyong's 'Jaeyi' (a shamanistic ancestral ceremony) at Cheoyongam, a myriad of events at numerous places around town such as the Procession of Cheoyong and King Heongang, the International Folk Dance Fest, festival performance stages, participational exhibit pavilions, along with a variety of things to see, eat and do. It is a shining example of a people-oriented festival that befits the nature of the 21st century.

For more info go to:
www.cheoyong.or.kr

Carmen Souza Radio Airplay

Carmen Souza and her management would like to thank all the Radio programmers around the world that gave and still give airplay to Carmen Souza "Ess ê nha Cabo Verde" debut album. Is because of them that we are able to cross borders and get to listeners regardless of their location and that's a true blessing!!!

Thank YOU!!!

Carmen New CD

Carmen is already working on her next cd to be released in 2008. This new record will continue to explore her own sound of roots/jazz cape verdian music and will count on the participation of several great musicians from Canada, Portugal, Cape Verde, Usa and Uk.

We'll keep you posted on more news!

Carmen Souza Touring UK

Carmen Souza will be playing in The Hawth venue in Crawley in 23 June.

The Hawth Theatre is one of the south's liveliest arts venues playing host to an exciting and diverse mix of theatre, dance, music, comedy, concerts, film and visual arts.

We are still booking more dates in Uk that we hope to release soon.

Carmen in Canada

We are pleased to announced the participation of Carmen Souza and her band at the Vancouver Island Musicfest with a 3 days perfomance of concert and workshops, in 6,7,8 July.

ThisVancouver Island MusicFest has been bringing great roots and world music to the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island since 1995. Produced by the Comox Valley Folk Society, MusicFest is a not-for-profit, cost recovery, volunteer driven event with over 600 volunteers and 300 community sponsors who combine forces to bring this first rate music festival to life.

We are still booking dates in other parts of Canada for this Tour.

Best World Music album By Village 900

Carmen Souza Album 'Ess ê nha Cabo Verde' was chosen by the listeners of the Canadian World Music radio VILLAGE 900 CKMO from Victoria BC has the best world music album of February. Carmen album is on the playlist and last month she was on the 5º place at the top 10 best world music albums along side with artists like Varttina from Real World, Cabruera from Piranha or Toumani Diabate from World Circuit, among others.

Check this at: http://www.village900.ca/music.shtml

Carmen Souza @ Global Hit - The World.org radio

You can read Carmen Souza interview and listean to her music @ Global Hit-The World, a 10 years BBC Radio co-production for the American US radio listeners.
http://www.theworld.org/?q=taxonomy_by_date/2/20061009
To hear the interview go to:
http://www.theworld.org/audio/10092006.mp3

Carmen Souza at itunes music store

You can now buy Carmen music from itunes, ENJOY!

Carmen Souza Ess ê nha Cabo Verde (1st Edition) - itunes now available

Carmen Souza Ess ê nha Cabo Verde (Special Roots edition feat 5 new songs)-Cape Verde in London Store

More online stores in Spain, Poland, Russia, USA, UK, France on this blog internet shops area.

WORLDMUSICCENTRAL.ORG review by Patty-Lynne Herlevi on 24/08/2006

The Bird-o-meter and Youth Culture: Exploring World Pop & Fusion of the 20-something Generation

Songbirds taught me a humble lesson recently. I erroneously thought that if my body didn't immediately react favorably to certain kinds of music, than that music wasn't particularly healing. Often songbirds and squirrels respond favorably to genres of music that I frown upon. The wonderful thing about non-humans is that they do not categorize or judge the way we humans do. They respond to vibration and sound waves that please them. So I believe that I should take my cues from nature rather than my own rigid thoughts.

Even among the creatures, preferences differ. Songbirds gravitate towards flute music of all kinds and soprano vocalists, and squirrels favor Latin and African music. After all, squirrels tend to be quite rhythmic themselves. If you don't believe me, see how many birds appear in your garden while playing music with a medium to high range.

Besides, it's arrogant for humans to believe that other creatures are unable to find pleasure in music. Scientific research has proven that both water molecules (Dr. Masaru Emoto's research) and plants (various studies), respond to musical vibration so then why would animals not respond favorably or unfavorably to music?

Two young women vocalists have been brought to my attention recently, Norwegian pop singer-songwriter, Tonje Unstad and Portuguese-Cape Verdean chanteuse Carmen Souza. While the musicians differ in musical preferences and style, they're both 25 years old and on the cusps of international notoriety. Neither musician shy away from pop music. However, Tonje sings in a variety of styles from flamenco, (Canteen drama), to cabaret, (In the wee hours of the night), to reggae, Latin styles and rock.

Carmen fuses Cape Verdean influences with American jazz and soul music. And while both of these woman produce pleasurable music, it was a struggle for me to move past my own rigid musical preferences. (I still don't care for pop music, but sometimes I find myself making exceptions).
......
Carmen Souza joins the ranks of other young Luso-Cape Verdean singer-songwriters with one foot on the African continent and the other in Europe. Carmen is already poised for success among European audiences having appeared at WOMAD and invited to perform on the BBC 3 "world on your street stage" in 2005. And certainly Portugal brims over with both young Cape Verdean and fado vocalists which can only assist Carmen in finding North American distribution and radio airplay.

My first reaction to Carmen's album was that it sounded too much like American soul music, a genre that doesn't excite me. Yet, the birds flocked into the garden, taking great pleasure in Carmen's music which caused me to question my initial judgment. While Carmen's vocal inflections at times lean towards soul music, she could certainly up the ante of soul music in the American music industry with her pioneering spirit, vocal prowess and tight, uncluttered arrangements.

Her debut CD, produced by her songwriting partner and bassist, Theo Pas'cal features Cape Verdean rhythms, batuco, morna and Kola sanjon played out on polyphonic percussion. And for a 25 year old musician, Carmen possesses sophisticated musical taste which includes the gamut from Keith Jarrett and Diane Krall to Stevie Wonder (old school of soul music).

If you enjoy the music of Lura and Sara Tavares, then you'll want to add Carmen Souza's Esse e nha Cabo Verde to your collection. And pay attention to the songbirds because it turns out they were right after all. Next time someone says life is for the birds, I will agree. What a life!

read at: http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20060824193903472

This review also feature in Patty-Lynne Herlevi website
http://www.geocities.com/pherlevi/CCdivas.htm - Divine Divas page

Patty - Lynne Herlevi website - Cranky Crow Whole Music is a wonderfull resorce for those who love quality music and truly belive in the healing power of it.
Don't forget to visit and if possible suport this project:
http://www.geocities.com/pherlevi/CCHOME.htm

USA - SMOTHER MAGAZINE REVIEW by J-Sin

EDITOR PICK
Meaning “This is my Cape Verde”, Carmen Souza’s album lands smack in the middle of Latin rhythms and pop melodies. Her enchanting vocals marry soft harmonies and a rich sense of culture. But the percussion almost steals the show with its ambient rhythms and hand drumming. You hear hints of African traditional music in the percussion as well, though there is still a distinct Latin vibe going on as well. Truly peerless, Souza should be on the tip of everyone’s tongue when they discuss this year’s best world music albums.
J-SIN
Read at: http://www.smother.net/reviews/world.php3?ID=603

RUSSIA - MUSIC BOX MAGAZINE REVIEW by

CARMEN SOUZA (Cape – Verde – Portugal)
Одна из самых больших надежд Мировой Музыки. Кармен совершенно по-новому объединила Cape Verde, afro и crossover. Начав свою музыкальную карьеру как бэк-вокалистка THEO PAS’CAL, Кармен получила признание как самостоятельный артист в 2005-м году, после выступления на знаковом фестивале WOMAD в Англии. «Её голос нашептывает песни, по которым мы так истосковались, хотя никогда их раньше не слышали. Несмотря на то, что её песни одеты в наряды соула и афро-джаза, понимание того, что это Cape Verde, приходит с первыми же звуками». (Из отзыва земляков после концерта.)

One of the greatest hopes of World Music. Carmen absolutely in a new fashion has united Cape Verde, afro and crossover. Having begun the musical career as vocalist THEO PAS'CAL, Carmen was recognized as the independent artist in 2005 year, after performance at sign festival WOMAD in England. « Its voice whispers songs on which we so have yearned though never them heard earlier. In spite of the fact that its songs are dressed in orders soul and jazz, you can understand that it is Cape Verde, in the first sounds ». (From a response of fellow countrymen after a concert.)
http://www.musicbox.su/info/394.html

More concerts in Canada

Carmen Souza concert at
SMALL WORLD SUMMER FESTIVAL at LULA LOUNGE live report

After her North American debut success at Major Festival Toronto Afrofest, Carmen was embraced by a full house audience at Lula Lounge, consider one of the best world music venues in Toronto. Carmen and her band hypnotized and conquered the public from the first to the last song with a great concert, that also was a surprise for a lot of the Cape verdians present:" I was waiting for a traditional Coladeira and was mesmerized by the richness carmen added to the traditional cape verdian rhythms, she 's really rising the standarts of Cape verdian music creating her own sound that is also a new cape verdian and Lusophone sound...».
Carmen invited to play with her at this concert, once again, top Canadian musicians, on Drums and percussion Rick Lazar voted for several years the percussionist of the year, in Canada, and member of Montuno Police, one of the oldest and best Jazz / fusion bands in Canada. www.montunopolice.com/shadrach.html. Also pianist Jeremy Ledbetter member of Latin-Jazz Canadian band CANE FIRE - www.canefire.ca - and one of the youngest and most talented pianist/composers/producers in the canadian latin-jazz scene.

Following her sucess at Afrofest, Carmen will take the stage again this week with 2 concerts in Toronto.
The first will happen in the 19th July at Ciao Edie a small and intimate venue but very known for showcasing talents in Toronto. The last will happen on the 21st July at Lula Lounge, this will be a fundraiser night for the proposed Dundas West BIA - featuring also Brazilian singer Luanda Jones and Guiomar Campbell's Parabolica.

19th July - Ciao Edie - 489 college street
21st July - Lula Lounge -1585 Dundas St. West- 416.588.0307

Also on Friday, 21st July you will be able to hear Carmen Souza interview live at Gabriel Osson world music radio program-Mondomuse on CHOQ 105,1 FM, from 6pm to 8pm. She will also perform live 3 songs from her album "Ess e nha Cabo Verde" in a total acustic set....not to lose!!!

Carmen Souza at Toronto Afrofest 2006

Afrofest 2006 was again a total sucess and Carmen Souza gave her contribute to it!
She was the best selling artist of the hole Festival and was also the first Cape-Verdian singer to perform at this great Festival, the biggest African in North America . Beside Theo Pas´cal on bass/Percussion and Orlanda Guilande on backvocals/Percussion, Carmen invited two top canadian musicians from Toronto to play with her, the jazz musicians Trevor Yearwood on Drums and pianist Robi Botos that already achived the first prize for 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival's solo piano competition, in 2005 the award at the 32nd International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE) conference in Long Beach, California, Best Soloist prize at the 2005 International Jazz Hoolieart Competition in Belgium and in 2006 he was nominated for a JUNO award (Canadian Grammys), and "Keyboardist Of The Year" award at the National Jazz Awards. www.robibotos.com

Carmen Souza LIVE REVIEW at thelivemusicreport.com
July 8, 2006 • Queenspark • Toronto
Carmen Souza at AfrofestReport by David Fujino Photo by Roger Humbert
The scope of African music is growing because of artists like Carmen Souza.
She's searching for new sounds.
Born in Portugal to a Cape Verdean family, the singer/composer sang simply this afternoon about the struggles of people in society and her hopes for a better future.
The six tunes were played at a medium slow to medium tempo, but they were constantly invigorated and pushed along by Theo Pas'cal's upfront, funky electric bass.
Meanwhile, pianist Robi Botos was applauded for his consistently sparkling solos. Orlanda Guilande shone both as a capable backup vocalist and stirring hand drummer. And Travis Yearwood's steady jazz kit drumming completed the group's total sound.
The sound was that of jazz and fusion. Two-beat, punctuating bass lines ... an electronic wash and glitter of chords ... and Carmen's voice above a steady and detailed rhythm.
It was clear that her ambition is to move from a folkloric into a more instrumental-based sound, but Carmen's mild-mannered singing was frequently dominated by the sheer energy and inventiveness of her bandmates.
Carmen Souza
After she spoke about the love and peace that children bring to this world, Carmen and her musicians ended the set with a tender, slow pulsing tune.
Carmen Souza's music, really, is about hope and optimism.
This makes it a true gift.
Carmen Souza – voice and pianoOrlanda Guilande – backup vocals and percussionTheo Pas'cal – electric bass Robi Botos – piano and keysTravis Yearwood – drums
www.thelivemusicreport.com/events/afroFest06/carmenSouza.html

AFROFEST REVIEW BY Gabriel H. Osson
Carmen Souza

Une nouvelle voix dans le firmament Cap Verdien

Quand Carmen Sousa commence à chanter, les anges l’accompagnent. J’ai eu le plaisir d’écouter la performance de Carmen Sousa à l’Afrofest 2006 et je fus enchanté dès les premières notes. Elle apporte dans ses bagages l’héritage du Cap Vert qu’elle mélange et manipule à sa façon pour nous transmettre une nouvelle musique aux accents Soul, Jazzé par bout et toujours unique.
Son style s’éloigne de la lignée de Césaria Evora, qui reste toujours le gabarit des chanteurs et chanteuses de cette île, et c’est de bon augure. Son style est unique et sa présentation très intime, comme si nous étions invités dans son salon.
Accompagné de son piano, du réputé bassiste portugais Theo Pas’cal et de la vocaliste Orlanda, elle a su captivé son audience dès le début de sa présentation par sa voix juste et ses mélodies touchantes. Elle a gardé son audience rivée jusqu'à la fin de sa présentation toute en douceur.
Elle chante bien sûr son pays, sur son album ‘Ess nha Cabo Verde’, mais aussi d’autres préoccupations personnelles où ressort ses croyances et sa spiritualité qui trouvent échos dans sa musique tel ‘Nha Deuss’, mon dieu.
Une chanteuse à découvrir, à apprécier et qui va devenir mâture dans les prochaines années, après tout Carmen Sousa n’a que 25 ans et a tout le temps devant elle.

Gabriel H.Osson

Mondomuse,
CHOQ FM 105,1
Un tour du monde en 120 minutes
mondomuse@hotmail.com

Carmen Souza Canada TOUR

"...Her velvety voice filled the intimate venue and hipnotised the audience."
"Carmen's whistful music is somewhere between jazz, folk, and Africa..."
"...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...Soothing and stimulating for the mind as well as the body."


Carmen will make her North America debut with 3 concerts in major festivals in July and August.
The first concert will happen in 8 July-3pm, at Toronto’s 18th annual AFROFEST main stage, whish is a celebration of African music and culture. This festival, the bigest African music and culture event in North America, reunite thousands in the green splendour of Toronto’s Queen's Park to see and hear traditional and contemporary styles by dozens of different African performing groups along with top international touring acts. This year’s main stage performers include Guinea’s ‘golden voice’ Sekouba Bambino, Rwandan star Jean Paul Samputu, Juno award winners African Guitar Summit, Malian kora master Mamadou Diabate, Cameroonian songstress Muna Mingole, Cape Verde’s Carmen Souza, Halifax based Afro pop sensation Afro Musica, Mali’s Tapa Diarra with Kassoum Diamoutene , the Ijo Vudu African Dance Company, from Nigeria, Ghana’s Ras Israel, Danny from Eritrea, Moroccan Mel M’barat, Sudan’s Hadi Ahmed and more.
Carmen Souza will also be doing a workshop on Cape Verdian music at Baobab Tree Stage at 5:00 pm in the same day of her performance.
www.musicafrica.org

The second concert will happen at SMALL WORLD MUSIC SUMMER FESTIVAL: GLOBAL CAFÉ in 21 July-8.30pm at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Now in its third year, the annual Global Café program brings to the stage a snapshot of the exciting developments in today's international music scene.
www.smallworldmusic.com
www.lula.ca

The third concert just confirmed will happen in 12 August at AFRIKA DEY FESTIVAL in Calgary-Alberta.
This festival is now celebrating 15 years of bringing the best emerging and established artists from Canada and Abroad. The main artists this year will be Salif keita.
www.afrikadey.com