Various - Club Sodade: Cesaria Evora by...

Picture yourself on a beach or by the pool, azure sky above (maybe moonlight in Ibiza?), obligatory cocktail in hand …aaah, now isn’t that nice? Every time I put Club Sodade: Cesaria Evora by … on, I feel like I’ve been taken to a place where the air is heavy and the hips are swaying. More than the usual trite dance beats stuck behind generic words, each song on this album is a beautifully blended mix of soul, rhythm and emotion to which you cannot resist moving. Initially, I thought Ms. Evora had to be Carribean from the overall sound, but a little digging revealed a different heritage. Cesaria Evora debuted in 1988, and the Cape Verde-born diva has become an international superstar singing soulful songs known as morna that reflect the North African island nation’s long and bitter history of slave trade and isolation. Quite ironically, dance mixes by the likes of Demitri From Paris, Pete Tong and Ben Watt have been popping up on compilations and in clubs for years, but this is the first official collection of her work to be infused with dance beats. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen so in love with a dance record, but this one has quickly become a permanent fixture in the changer, and I’ve recommended it to all of my friends. “Besame Mucho (Senor Coconut’s Chachacha Remix)” with its serious cha cha beat & the Carribean house sound of “Sodade (DJ Rork & Demon Richie mix)” are highlights. The only song that had to grow on me is “Angola (Get Down Dub by Pepe Bradock),” which is a bit monotonous at first with somber African beats. Bradock’s other version of “Angola (the Bateau Ivre rework),” sounds more island and was easier to get into right off. With spring and summer just around the corner, you may find yourself in the mood for days of languid indulgence and sultry nights at the club. When that urge strikes, I suggest you run, find this disc and slip into something more comfortable. [www.cesaria-evora.com]