There are few musical forms that have not been subjected to the sort of reinterpretation that makes purists squirm. Portuguese fado, however, has retained that virgin spirit. The Portuguese tradition of soaring, mournful songs is performed solely by female singers accompanied by a single nylon-string guitar.

Up until now. The single-named Mariza has made waves by performing with a small band (nine musicians in different formations appear on the record) and borrowing songs and influences from other cultures. Whether or not it's a formulated move, it's a savvy one, allowing her to be both a traditionalist (a la the heralded Amelia Rodrigues) and a young upstart. The arrangements and choice of material make this more of a pop record than fado classico. But it's a beautiful record nonetheless.

The instrumentation is, thankfully, all acoustic and the performances more than able, the record diverse and enjoyable. Mariza has a strong voice and could be at risk of being groomed as the next Gloria Estefan, but thankfully that dilution hasn't happened yet.