Review:
When I first heard that a new Capoeira CD had been released that was sung entirely by a woman, I must admit that I was a little skeptical. I've heard many recordings of women singing on various CDs: some sound great, but the majority sing too high for the men to reply in tune. Upon receiving this CD though, I was instantly impressed by the attention and care that was given to all facets of this CD. In fact, it didn't leave my deck for a week. I can't say enough good things about the production quality of this disc. The harmonies are excellent without overpowering the main vocals. The music is layered very nicely with the berimbaus right up in front where they should be. Ms. Soares' voice does not suffer any of the microphone distortion that often happens in some capoeira recordings. This CD has also done a great job of blending the old and the new capoeira music. Carolina Soares gives an excellent interpretation of the traditional ladainha Eu vivo enjoado and the corridos are all great. She not only handles the capoeira music masterly, but she also tackles some Maculelê, Puxada de Rede, as well as Samba de Roda. Overall, this production presents a very professional quality in terms of sound, arrangements and performance. Only on the track As vezes me chamam de negro, written by Mestre Luiz Renato, she fell a little short of my expectations. Granted, this is one of my favorite songs, but in my opinion the best interpretations remain those by Mestre Ezequiel or by Grupo Beribazu.
In a recent interview, Ms Soares said: “To get more space in the roda many women are trying to imitate men, their attitudes and their violent games, but I think this is wrong. Women in capoeira should maintain their femininity and play capoeira with a woman’s style. Their presence is very important to demonstrate that capoeira is without boundaries, it is for everybody, without discrimination of age, gender, race or nationality." In her first work, she shows that she's not just talking, but proves the truth in her words as her voice doesn’t use the raw power that many Mestres have, but instead shows an equally strong, but softer side to this beautiful music. This CD is destined to be one of the most played in my collection; whether following Mestre Brasilia's Ginga Original II, or stuck in my deck on random along with Jorge Aragao, these tracks fit in anywhere. As well, it's got such a great musical quality that it probably won't even annoy your non-capoeira friends!
Rating: 8 out of 10 berimbau's

by Cantor (Grupo Aché Brasil)

Tracks:
01. Eu já vivo enjoado - Corridos de Angola
02. A Hora e essa
03. Um dia na Senzala
04. Lei Áurea
05. As Vezes me chamam de Negro
06. Saudades de Bimba
07. Marinheiro só - Catarina
08. A arte de caribe
09. Paranaue - Corridos de Regional
10. Maculele
11. Puxada de Rede
12. Samba de Roda
13. Toques de Berimbau