Mariza, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Feb 7 (From The Argus)

Mariza, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Feb 7

Unannounced, Mariza, resplendent in a long, claret-red dress, entered the stage and dominated it for almost two hours.

Compared to Piaf for her power and emotion, Mariza is the natural heir to Amalia Rodrigues – Queen of fado. The word means destiny and is a musical genre indigenous to Portugal. The songs, usually based on poems, blend together nostalgia with sweet melancholy.

Backed by pianist, drummer and a trio of guitarists, including one playing a traditional Portuguese instrument that produced a mandolin-like sound, Mariza thrilled her adoring audience.

Many of her songs came from her new CD – Terra – a collection reflecting her travels over the past eight years. Others told of her love for Lisbon and its people. Highlights included Primavera, Feira De Castro and the hypnotic drum accompaniment to My Destiny.

Such was the magic of her singing that at times she seemed to shrink the cavernous concert hall and create the intimate, smoky atmosphere of the family taverna where she started singing fado at the age of five.

Great use was made of body movements – sashaying to joyous numbers; imperious stances for drama and simple crouching to suggest waif-like fragility.

The two standing ovations she received were truly deserved.