eolinda captures the tension between old and new Lisbon, between traditional fado and the future. In the time since the release of its 2008 debut, Canção ao Lado (The Song Next Door), Deolinda has shot from nowhere into international adulation. The secret to their popularity comes from their exuberant, often comic performances, the sweet and catchy melodies, and lyrics loaded with emotive references to fado and other lesser-known Portuguese musical traditions.

An intriguing concept album, Canção ao Lado, is built around the character of Deolinda, a young woman who lives with her cats and goldfish in a Lisbon apartment and watches through her window as the world goes by. The songs are delivered by charismatic former jazz singer Ana Bacalhau (literally, Ana Salted Cod). Deolinda and the passing characters she introduces us to are the creations of guitarist Pedro da Silva Martins, joined by conservatoire-trained Luis José Martins on guitar, ukulele, viola and Portuguese cavaco and guitarlele; and double bass player Zé Pedro Leitão (meaning Suckling Pig), who brings a classical and jazz background.

“The songs weave a near-faultless patchwork of folk melodies, cleverly crafted pop hooks and a sprinkling of dance rhythms from Brazil and Cape Verde,” says Clive Davis.

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