Dança Ma Mi Criola / Danca Ma Mi Criola

On his first recording for MB Records, owned by Ramiro and Joao Mendes who comprise the Mendes Brothers, Tito Paris has put together a powerhouse of a group to produce an exceptional album. His excellent songwriting abilities contribute to the album's textural mix, alternating drive with ballads, mornas. His vocals are very earthy and are complemented by his deft guitar riffs. The guitar in Cape Verdean music is not as dominant as it is in soukous. It embroiders the background and weaves an elegant tapestry behind the vocals. The title track along with "Regresso," "Coragem Ermum," the somewhat haunting "Otilia/Otilio," and "O Pretinho" are standouts. There's a lot of punch in the horn arrangements and the percussion is percolating around and through everything. A finely crafted, well-recorded album well worth seeking out. Highly recommended.