INTERVIEW: Mariza takes over NYC this weekend
Photo: Mariza will perform at two special concerts at New York City’s Town Hall. Photo courtesy of artist / Provided by Cindy Byram PR with permission.
Fado singer Mariza, from Lisboa, Portugal, will return to New York City’s Town Hall for a special concert Saturday, April 22. The performance is part of a Mariza series at the respected Midtown Manhattan venue. On Friday, April 21, she will welcome Ney Matogrosso, a legendary Brazilian performer, for an equally special concert, one in which she will make a guest appearance. For lovers of Mariza’s music, this weekend promises to be a memorable one in the Big Apple.
Around the world, Mariza’s music is cherished. She has appeared at a variety of top venues, including the Hollywood Bowl, Central Park and the Royal Festival Hall, according to her biography. Her accolades include multiple BBC Radio 3 Awards for Best European World Music Artist and many nominations for a Latin Grammy Award.
There’s a lot to celebrate for the fado singer. In addition to her new tribute album to Amália Rodrigues, Mariza Sings Amália, she will soon celebrate 25 years since her influential first recording Fado em Mim, and to honor that milestone and prepare audiences for her Town Hall concert, the singer offered a rare interview to Hollywood Soapbox. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can your fans expect from your Town Hall concert?
I will bring the traditional trio ensemble (Portuguese guitar, acoustic guitar and bass guitar) and also accordion and percussion. During the concert I will revisit my last album Mariza Canta Amália, a tribute to the iconic Fado singer Amália Rodrigues, and also some of my greatest hits. I hope to be able to give to the public a night full of music, love and friendship.
You have returned to the Town Hall time and time again. What do you like about the venue?
It feels like home to me. I can’t really explain, but there is a proximity to the audience that makes me feel that I am in my living room with my friends sharing some music.
Are you also excited to be a special guest for the Ney Matogrosso concert?
Very, very excited! Ney is one of the world’s most incredible artists. He combines it all. The way he sings, moves, acts on stage is so unique that, along with his incredible intelligence, experience and charisma, he brings to the audience something so great, so special, so unique that one shouldn’t fail to see his live performance. Therefore, it is easy to understand how I feel sharing the stage with a living legend.
What was it like to be a child listening to music in your father’s tavern in Lisbon?
One of my first childhood memories is of me trying to hide so that I could remain listening to Fado singers well after bedtime. It was also in their Fado House that I sang for the first time, at the age of 5.
Did you ever think it was risky to change this traditional music and update it for modern audiences?
It is not something that one thinks about. My way of being in music is natural and organic. I don’t plan to do something different or not. I just follow my path.
Next year will be the 25th anniversary of Fado em Mim. What do you love about that album?
Fado em Mim represents something very special mainly because making a record was unknown ground for me. I really thought only my father would listen, and yet it turned into this avalanche that would completely transform my life. However, I am passionate in different ways about all my records. Each one has its own story, each one has its experiences, each one has its own special meaning.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Mariza will perform as a guest artist at the Ney Matogrosso concert Friday, April 21 at the Town Hall in New York City. She will offer her own headlining concert the following night, April 22, at the same venue. Click here for more information and tickets.
