Album Review: Nos by Virginia Rodrigues

To the fact that Portuguese is one of the world's most musical languages, Virginia Rodrigues adds the natural richness and vibrant texture of her own voice. In Nos, a "tribute to the Carnival music of her native state of Bahia," Brazil, the artist combines the soulful depth of songs like "Uma Historia de Ifa" ("A Story of Ifa"), with the more upbeat, carnival feel of "Afrekete."

In an album suffused with Rodrigues' rather all-encompassing spirituality, the music celebrates the singer's African heritage, a beautiful collage of music and dance culture in Bahia. Rodrigues' voice permeates the natural, simple beauty of the music with her own energetic musicality and the depth of understanding of her work that is evident in her voice. "Depois Que O Ile Passar" ("After Ile Passes") captivates the listener with engaging rhythms and innovative musical sequences which showcase Rodrigues' talent and creativity. And the tribal feel of "Male-Debate," a song asking permission to call the people to dance, capitalizes on unusual and inviting harmonies to provide a sense of the beautiful tradition on which Rodrigues is drawing. A-