Pure Beauty!
F. A. Kronyak | St. Petersburg, FL United States | 10/22/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an extraordinary work! My first Dulce Pontes album was Caminhos and I fell in love with it almost immediately. Most of the people who I've played it for have rushed out and bought it. I have since bought all of the others and am constantly amazed at her ability to interpret music. I know very little Portuguese and, until I found her website, had no idea what she was singing about. But the beauty of her voice and the passion with which she sings overshadow any need for a 'literal translation'. My basic feeling was that Dulce Pontes could do no wrong.But I was just not prepared for 'O Primiero Canto'! This album really does take her work (and my appreciation for the power of the human voice) to a whole new level. She's one of those singers who will make you believe that she sings every note directly to you. And the acoustic nature of this album enhances that effect even further. As with practically all of her prior work, she pours her heart and soul into this album and one can't help but be drawn in.For those who might be intimidated by the fact that she's not singing in English, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Dulce Pontes is living proof that music is a universal language. Anyone who's truly a lover of music will love this album and will soon be out buying more of her work. She will enthrall you!P. S. Those of you who haven't heard 'Brisa Do Coracao' (her live album) MUST drop everything at this very moment and run out and get it (Well? What are you waiting for? Go!!). For one thing, her performance at this concert is stunning, and the fact that it's a live recording further demonstrates her incredible talent. Secondly, the love that pours from the audience gives you chills!"
A more universal appeal
James Ferguson | Vilnius, Lithuania | 12/11/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nice to hear a new voice from Portugal who isn't singing Fados. Pontes draws on a wide spectrum of music, giving this CD a more jazzy feel. There is nothing mournful about these selections, she celebrates life in all its vigor as depicted in her yoga pose on the cover. In fact, one could say there is more a Brazilian quality to her music, although she apparently draws on Portuguese popular music themes, bringing in such eclectic items as Swedish bagpipes and the Madagascar Valiha. She makes a very pleasant alternative to the current wave of Portuguese Fado singers who are currently dominating the World Music scene."