Guitar and bass player, composer and singer, Tito Paris successfully blends the sound of Cape Verdean traditional mornas, coladeiras and funanas with the moderns sounds of Portugal and the rest of the world.
Born in Mindelo, Cape Verde, Tito Paris moved as a young man, aged 19, to Portugal. Lisbon continues to be his hometown even if he still goes back to his islands. Tito Paris has a long musical career behind him. The release ..Acústico.. is the seventh album for Tito, the earlier albums have al been highly acclaimed by critics.
On the new album, Tito sings in creole and is accompanied by a string orchestra conducted by the prestigious Portuguese maestro Tomás Pimentel. Horns and strings stress the sentimental and romantic tone in the songs. Classics from the Cape Verdean music like Sodade (that Cesária Évora earlier made famous) is played but also several of Tito..s already known material for the Portoguese audience; Morna PPV, Estrela Linda and Febre di Funaná. The concert is recorded live for an enthusiastic audience in the intimate venue Aula Magna in Lisbon, Portugal.
On Acústico, three bonus tracks are added; Tcapëau di Padja, Xandinha and Galo Bedjo. The songs are all composed by Cape Verdean composers of the 60..s, among them the important B.Leza, composer and musician with a great influence on the Cape Verdean music.
During the years, Tito has not only performed solo but he has also accompanied several of the big stars in Portugal and Cape Verde, like Bana, Maria De Barros and Cesária Évora, who he also helped producing her first album. He has performed all over the world and also gained a reputation because of the force and heat of his shows. Tito..s latest album, Acústico, has captured this power and brings the listeners a sense of the sensuality of Cape Verde.
As a guest in Mariza..s show at the Royal Albert Hall in November 2006, he shared some of his new material with the audience and was praised in the press for it: ..best of all was the all-to-brief appearance by the dapper Cape Verdean Tito Paris, who joined Mariza for a little morna duet, followed by at stunning version of Sodade.. The Times, UK.
Spring 2007, Tito Paris will record his first studio album for World Connection.
Press cuttings
..Tito Paris first song was one of the highlights of the night in which he and Mariza sang back up harmonies to the lead vocal and electric guitar of Rui Veloso...
Charlie Gillet concert review from Mariza at Royal Albert Hall, UK
.... powerful treatment of Saudade .. The Guardian, UK..
..Best of all was the all-too-brief appearance by the dapper Cape Verdean Tito Paris, who joined Mariza for a lilting morna duet, followed by a stunning version of Sodade.. The Times, UK
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