Silencio

With a following to rival flamenco, the haunting melodies of Portuguese fado have always held listeners spellbound. A powerful new voice on the scene, Claudia Aurora is the genre's newest rising star. Silencio, the singer-songwriter's debut album, is the first collection of original fado songs to be recorded in the UK since the great Amalia Rodrigues recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 1952. Originally from Oporto, Portugal, Aurora has been based in Bristol, UK since 2003 and has built a reputation as a stunning live performer. She has sung fado at numerous venues in the UK, and since 2006 has organized numerous fado events, adding live Portuguese poetry to create complete cultural celebrations. Aurora's original songs, written with guitarist Javier Moreno, received such an amazing response in concert that it motivated her to make this album. Silencio is a showcase for both her powerful voice and her unique songs, which deal with the traditional themes of life, destiny, longing and despair.