Fado virtuoso Camané releases new album
This album celebrates José Mário Branco’s enduring influence on Portuguese music and reaffirms Camané’s position as a torchbearer of fado tradition.
What?
Portuguese fado singer Camané released a new live album to honour the late musician and composer José Mário Branco.
Known as a pivotal figure in Portuguese contemporary music, José Mário Branco left a lasting legacy in various genres, including fado, where his contributions shaped Camané’s unique sound.
In an interview with Lusa News Agency, Camané described José Mário Branco as a “teacher” who profoundly influenced his music over a 20-year collaboration.
“The bulk of this concert is José Mário’s songs,” the fadista shared, emphasizing the depth of their artistic partnership.
Branco, who passed away in 2019, was instrumental in crafting the signature sonority of Camané’s traditional fado. “Even in the traditional fados, he created a sound for me. He helped me find my own voice,” Camané remarked.
A Tribute to a Master
The album features songs composed by Branco for Camané, alongside selections from Branco’s repertoire.
Among the highlights is Queixa das Almas Jovens Censuradas, a song based on a poem by Natália Correia, which Camané performed for the first time during the live recording.
“It’s one of those songs embedded in my memory. José Mário used to hum it often,” he recalled.
Camané reflected on Branco’s extraordinary career, noting his versatility and deep respect for fado.
“He was a fantastic person and a teacher. José Mário’s work goes far beyond our collaboration—his musical legacy is extraordinary. I was lucky to have him produce my albums for almost two decades,” he said. Branco’s influence extended to how Camané chose and interpreted traditional fado pieces.
“He listened to me sing and helped me select songs that best reflected the emotional depth of the poetry,” Camané explained.
The Album’s Lineup
The new album also features Fado Menor do Porto, by José Joaquim Cavalheiro Jr., with lyrics by Fernando Pessoa, among other carefully curated tracks. Branco’s dedication to authenticity in fado arrangements is evident throughout.
“He had a profound appreciation for fado, from Alfredo Marceneiro to Carlos do Carmo, João Ferreira-Rosa, and Maria Teresa de Noronha.
He brought an exacting aesthetic to the music,” Camané said, recounting Branco’s extensive knowledge and admiration of the genre.
Why you need to know Camané?
Camané is considered one of the foremost contemporary interpreters of fado.
Emerging in the 1990s, he revitalized the genre with his emotive performances and innovative collaborations.
His partnership with José Mário Branco, introduced by the late Carlos do Carmo, was pivotal in this evolution.
Branco’s guidance allowed Camané to explore the emotional and poetic nuances of fado, earning him recognition as a leading voice in modern Portuguese music.