Nos

For me, this is the CD to buy. I heard a track of Virginia Rodriguez on Radio 2 and then looked on Amazon for her music. I had no idea which CD to get, so bought all three - the other two being Sol Negro and Mares Profundos. I like Nos best because the melodies are strong and catching, the rhythms are good - it is a happier, more fun CD and I want to keep playing it. It goes without saying that Virginia's voice is amazing however in this CD others are singing harmonies with her and this provides some variation and contrast - as sometimes (principally on the other CDs) she can sound a bit samey - all one tone.

There's no doubt, Virginia Rodrigues has a very special voice. Discovered by Caetano Veloso, his fingerprints are all over the arrangements on this CD. The easy-listening feel this adds sits uncomfortably for me with her earthy voice, so think about whether or not you like Veloso's style before you buy - if you do, you will love this CD.

This album gets better and better and better each time I listen to it. Great relaxing Brazilian music for the car.

What a wonderful, spiritual, uplifting record. Gentle, pastoral Brazilian rhythms overlaid with acoustic guitar, cello, clarinet and marimbas, soaring above which, a voice so deep and rich and of such pitch-perfect purity that it never fails to leave me completely captivated. Just listen to the second track, "Uma Historia de Ifa", lie down, close your eyes and you will be transported to the sunniest, happiest time and place that you have ever known. Infectious, mesmerising, soul-cleansing. If you don't like this you're deaf.

I heard this artiste sing one of the tracks on the excellent Late Junction on Radio 3 and was completely entranced. She has the most amazing range, while I can understand it if someone might find the tracks on this record a bit samey, I must say though that after playing it continually for the last three days I have yet to get bored. Settle down with a brandy or whisky and let this calming, seductive Brazilian music wash over you.