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.
According to Ramana, “Nobody else is doing what we are doing with Fado. Take the feel and groove of Shakira and the melodic textures of Dulce Pontes and that is how I would describe our music.” Even the emotional concept of “Lágrimas De Rainha” paints sonic pictures that support Ramana’s desire to invent a fresh Fado sound blooming from the ground of her own family roots. Her grandfather, a famous musician and composer from Madeira Island, Portugal, left her a rich musical legacy that Ramana quickly embraced after experiencing the profundity of the Portuguese culture.
Ramana brings her singing, dancing, and theater studies (from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco) to her performances which include: opening for Grammy nominated fadista Mariza; performing her original song “Unido Para Amar” for the 2006 Winter Olympics video montage; making her international debut with RPT TV Portuguese network; and chosen to sing for the Grammy’s 50th Awards special Music Cares benefit to honor Aretha Franklin. Her two prior recordings, “Despi A Alma (I Undressed My Soul)” and “Sem Ti” helped her to gain recognition, win awards, and appear on the cover of “Mundo Portuguese” Magazine.
However, Ramana’s truly magical spirit comes alive in “Lágrimas De Rainha (Tears Of A Queen)” which features an outstanding group of musicians, lyricists, and arrangers such as Marcie Brown (cello), Jeffrey Luiz (classic and electric guitars), Stephen La Porta (drums and percussion), Alberto Ramirez (electric bass), and special guests, Helder Carvallheira (guitarra or Portuguese guitar), Didier Bouvet (guitar), and Golden Reel Award winning film composer and arranger, Robert Randles (“The English Patient,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” and “Amadeus”).
Ramana sincerely believes that her progressive and unconventional style of juxtaposing different instrumental layers and nuances will open new doors for Fado music while continuing to maintain the integrity of a time-honored tradition. With her incredible artistry and devotion for Fado music there is no doubt this bright-eyed beauty will accomplish her dream.
APERTE LE ISCRIZIONI PER LA NUOVA EDIZIONE DEL G.R.I.F.2010 Dopo il grande successo della scorsa edizione dal 10 Ottobre sono aperte le iscrizioni del G.R.I.F. GALLIrecords Italia Festival Edizione 2010. La nuova edizione sarà ricca di novità e caratterizzata sempre da un unica motivazione: scoprire nuovi talenti. Anche quest'anno le selezioni saranno effettuate presso gli Studi della GALLIrecords e ai partecipanti sarà rilasciata la registrazione della loro esibizione live, in più foto, interviste, riprese...insomma sarete trattati da Star! Tutto in vista della serata finale che anche quest'anno non deluderà nessuno. La GALLIrecords e tutto il suo staff ti aspetta per lasciarti a bocca aperta!!!
We welcome you to our annual festival! August 14th-16th The Rancho will be perfoming both Saturday and Sunday. August 14th~Nelia and Underground Sounds August 15th~Eratoxica August 16th~Arlindo Andrade and Underground Sounds Hope to see you there!
If you would like to have your music considered for airplay/podcast/interview on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365, please stop by our Myspace Page for the mailing address!
Have you ever considered Hosting your own Radio Show? If so please inquire, as we are now accepting applications for new Radio Show Hosts on WomensRadio and WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365.
We are now in our 3rd year of bliss here at WomensRadio Music Review and foresee only brighter days throughout 2009 and beyond as we launch WomensRadio Independent Channel on Live365!!
Hope 2 see you... Talent Contest Auditions. 1. Be on time! Only 2 hours for auditioning. First 100 acts will have the chance to audition. 2. Before auditioning you must purchase your tickets at the ticket window! 3. Come in and register at the Grand Theater in Tracy, look for our table inside. 4. Minors must have a parent sign our permission slip and attend with them at all times. 5. Bring your own CD. (Typed description…name & track number) 6. Tickets are non-refundable! If you are not selected this year there will be another show coming soon, Keep your eye on our website. 7. Please stay and hang out with us, do watch the show.
